Betts: Manoah returns to bullpen mound after Tommy John surgery
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah speaks to reporters after throwing off the mound for the first time since his Tommy John surgery nine months ago. Photo: Matt Betts
March 14, 2025
By Matt Betts
Canadian Baseball Network
Nine months after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, Alek Manoah was back on the mound at the Toronto Blue Jays’ Player Development complex on Friday.
It was just 15 fastballs, but for the high energy, emotional Manoah, it was a big step in his attempt to get back to his former self.
“It’s a whirlwind of emotions but it feels amazing right now,” said Manoah.
“The first day you play catch it feels like the night before Christmas. Then the last thing missing is that slope. It’s a really good feeling to get back on there.”
When Manoah’s ulnar collateral ligament gave out last June, he was on his way back from a disastrous 2023 that followed a 2022 where he finished third in American League Cy Young voting.
Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman and Chad Green stood behind catcher Alejandro Kirk watching on and others gave him a round of applause when the bullpen session was over.
It was a subtle moment that wasn’t lost on Manoah. He pointed afterwards to the importance of his support system, whether it be teammates, family or friends.
“There are really frustrating days through this whole process,” he said.
“Anyone who’s been through it will tell you. There’s days where I throw a baseball and it feels like I tore my ligament again. There’s all sorts of stuff that goes into it, so being able to have that (support system) at home for me is the biggest blessing I could ask for.”
From a baseball perspective, it’s the little things he’s taken from his fellow pitchers that’ve gone through a similar experience, overcome it and succeeded.
“Those guys know how hard I’m working to get back out there and help the team,” he said.
“Most of them have helped me. It’s awesome to have their support.”
While there’s still a ways to go before getting back on a big league mound, Manoah feels like he’s been ahead of the curve when it comes to recovery.
He’s hoping a second half comeback is on the horizon.
But Tommy John is a lengthy process and one that can’t be rushed, something he understands and has to accept.
“My first pitch on the mound was ‘let’s try to ease it back if we can,’” Manoah said.
“For me, I’d rather be a guy that has to be held back than a guy that has to get this thing moving. There’s a lot of confidence in the arm and the body. Me having to be held back, that’s a blessing.”