Alek Manoah DFA'd, "Tony Taters" Returns, Ty France To IL

[Mike LeSage]

With Anthony Santander ready to return from the 60-day injured list, the Blue Jays had to make a move. The first move was Ty France going to the IL with an oblique strain that may or may not be code for "Toronto needs to shuffle some bodies," and despite France's short time here, he's a team player.

The more surprising move involved Alek Manoah being DFA'd, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster. Manoah was drafted by Toronto in the first round of the 2019 draft and quickly made his presence known - finishing third in Cy Young voting in 2022. His struggles in 2023 were followed by Tommy John surgery and a lengthy rehab assignment that he was nearing the end of.

Updates to follow...

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[BTS]

I was not expecting a Manoah DFA. The team must think he's completely cooked if they didn't want to tender him a contract at 2.2M or whatever. 

[saskjayfan]

12 hours ago, BTS said:

I was not expecting a Manoah DFA. The team must think he's completely cooked if they didn't want to tender him a contract at 2.2M or whatever. 

Even if they think it's highly likely he's cooked.  Easton Lucas is a never will be guy.  Manoah at least was once a dude.  Pitchers react different coming off Tommy John. There was no reason not to give him a full offseason to prepare and see if he could get the velocity back.  This club can afford to gamble 2 mil.