Embattled starter Alek Manoah set for return to Blue Jays' rotation Friday
Sophomore compiled 6.36 ERA before demotion to minors to refine delivery
Toronto pitcher Alek Manoah is set to return from a conditioning stint and start for the Blue Jays on Friday.
Jays manager John Schneider told reporters before Toronto's series-opening game against the White Sox that Manoah will be on the mound when the team starts a three-game series in Detroit later this week.
Manoah started for the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Sunday, striking out 10 and giving up one run on three hits over five innings.
It was a stark contrast to his first two seasons in the big leagues.
After going 9-2 with a 3.22 earned-run average over 20 starts as a rookie in 2021, the six-foot-six Manoah went 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA in 31 starts last year. He finished third in American League Cy Young Award voting.
But this season he went 1-7 with a 6.36 ERA in Toronto before being demoted to the minors to focus on his delivery and throwing strikes.
