The Alek Manoah Reclamation Project: A Story of Resilience and Rebirth
A Tale of Two Seasons
Alek Manoah, once a rising star in Major League Baseball, found himself in a slump in 2023. After a stellar 2022 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was named the third-best pitcher in the American League, Manoah's command and velocity took a nosedive. The 2023 season was a tumultuous one, marked by shoulder and elbow woes that eventually led to surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in June 2024. The road to recovery was not easy, with Manoah tossing just 38 1/3 innings last season, none of them in the majors.
The Reclamation Project
But now, Manoah is back on the mound, and the results are promising. In his first start of the 2025 season, he tossed two scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, throwing 25 of his 36 pitches for strikes and allowing just a pair of walks. His four-seam fastball was clocked at 93-94 mph, a significant improvement from the 89-92 range he averaged in 2023. This rebound in velocity can be attributed to a full offseason of rehabilitation and mechanical adjustments, according to Manoah.
The Importance of Mechanics
Manoah's focus on getting his mechanics back in sync was crucial to his recovery. He emphasized the importance of playing catch throughout his rehab, but also acknowledged that inconsistencies can arise from it. By resetting and simplifying his approach, he was able to regain control over the ball and improve his long-toss and power programs. This attention to detail has paid off, as he is now more confident in his changeup and slider, two of his top weapons.
The Slider and Changeup
The slider, Manoah's top pitch when he was dominating big league hitters in 2022, has been a focus of his rehabilitation. He has worked on its consistency, ensuring that he can flip it in for a strike or a two-strike count. As for the changeup, Manoah feels it has actually benefitted from the rehab process, in part because he threw a lot of them during long toss. He is confident that it will be better than in recent seasons, and he is not making any changes to the pitch itself, only focusing on changing speeds and throwing it out front.
The Future of the Reclamation Project
The degree to which Angels fans should be confident about Manoah's chances of reemerging as a quality big league starter is open for debate. But one thing is certain: if the Alek Manoah Reclamation Project bears fruit, a new family member will be cheering him on. With a baby at home, Manoah is excited to have his support in the stands this year for the first time. As he continues to work on his mechanics and regain his form, the future looks bright for this resilient pitcher.
A Thought-Provoking Question
What do you think about the Alek Manoah Reclamation Project? Do you think he can reclaim his place as a top pitcher in the MLB? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
