The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that Alek Manoah will be the starting pitcher against the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Day. It’s the first time in Manoah’s career that he will get the ball on the first day of the regular season. The 25-year-old will be tasked with anchoring a rotation with depth that includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt. Yusei Kikuchi will likely earn the fifth spot in the rotation.
Big Puma = Big Business
@Alek_Manoah6 is our #OpeningDay starter! pic.twitter.com/dP7CuKFhw9
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 24, 2023
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Alek Manoah All-Star 2022 Season
Last year was a breakout year for the right-hander. In 196 and 2/3 innings, Manoah had a record of 16-7, an ERA of 2.24, and 180 strikeouts. Which gave him his first all-star appearance, and he finished third in the American League Cy Young Race. The twenty-five-year-old will be going into his third season with Toronto and has become a fan favorite. As one of the emerging starters in the American League, he has become a formidable opponent for those facing the Blue Jays. Last season, he had an ERA of 2.64 against the Baltimore Orioles, 2.31 against the New York Yankees, 1.37 against the Tampa Bay Rays, and 1.04 against Boston. As the Blue Jays make a push for the American League East, Manoah will lead the charge.
Blue Jays Opening Day History
Alek Manoah will become the sixth different Blue Jays pitcher to start Opening Day in the last seven years. In the Shapiro/Atkins era, starting pitching has been good, but the team still needs to find an ace of the staff. The Blue Jays pitcher to get the win on Opening Day was Marcus Stroman in 2016 against Tampa Bay. Although likely, Manoah may not last long as the last four Opening Day starters ended with a no-decision. Fans were wishing that the 32-year-old Gausman would get the start because of his impressive spring. However, the Blue Jays went with their best starter from 2022.
In their last ten Opening Days, the Toronto Blue Jays are 5-5. Last year they won in a thriller against the Texas Rangers. This will be the first time in their 47-year history they will start the season against a National League opponent. The Blue Jays season begins on Thursday, March 30, in St. Louis. The game will start at 4:10 pm EST.
Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Yusei Kikuchi, Marcus Stroman
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