Toronto Blue Jays announce update on Alek Manoah's possible return date

With Max Scherzer back, the Toronto Blue Jays finally have a set rotation of five, as Eric Lauer has cemented himself as a reliable left-handed pitcher in the backend of the rotation.

While the rotation now has five starters, it is by far the biggest area of concern that the Blue Jays need to address before the 2025 trade deadline.

On Friday, it was reported by numerous sources that Alek Manoah threw another bullpen session, throwing 25 pitches.

He threw another one on Canada Day. The most interesting factoid is that it seems like a rehab assignment is coming sooner rather than later.

If that's the case, Manoah will be back at some point in August for the stretch run as teams have to activate a player on a rehab assignment no later than 30 days after it starts.

Today the Athletic's Mitch Bannon reported that Manoah will be getting into one more bullpen session before he starts his rehab games.

If the Blue Jays get Manoah back in late July early August and he can return to his 2022 form, it will be like a trade deadline acquisition on house money.

Is it realistic to believe Manoah will return to his 2022 form? No.

However, as long as he's a starter who posts an ERA below 4, that in itself will be a big help for the Blue Jays as they attempt to hold onto the top spot in the division.

What happens to the rotation afterwards, especially if they upgrade at the trade deadline, is anyone's best guess. That said, it's nice to see Manoah starting to get back on track because he could be huge for the Blue Jays toward the end of the season.