Blue Jays Pitcher Alek Manoah to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season Following UCL Surgery
In a disappointing turn of events, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah is set to undergo surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament, as confirmed by Blue Jays manager John Schneider on Friday before their game against the A’s. This means that Manoah will be sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season.
The surgery, scheduled for June 17 with Dr. Keith Meister, will determine the exact procedure needed based on the severity of the tear in Manoah’s UCL. Depending on the outcome, the recovery timeline could vary, with Tommy John surgery typically requiring 12-18 months for full recovery, while an internal brace procedure may offer a shorter path to return.
Manoah, who had been showing signs of improvement after a challenging season in 2023, experienced right elbow discomfort during his May 29 start in Chicago, leading to the discovery of a UCL sprain. Prior to the injury, he had demonstrated promise with a 3.70 ERA in 24 1/3 innings this year.
With Manoah out, the Blue Jays are exploring options to fill his spot in the rotation, including the potential use of Trevor Richards or Bowden Francis. Yariel RodrÃguez is also in consideration as he progresses in his recovery from thoracic spine inflammation.
The team remains flexible in their approach, with Schneider acknowledging the need to adapt based on the performance of the pitching staff in upcoming games. As the Blue Jays navigate this setback, they are looking to maintain stability in the rotation while exploring various strategies to support the team’s success moving forward.