“It’s good for them to be together.”
Alec Manoa (25, Toronto Blue Jays) was demoted to the minors earlier this month. You’d think a major leaguer’s demotion would mean a trip to Triple-A, but that’s not the case. Manoa was sent to the Florida Instructional League. He’s traveling to Dunedin, Florida, where Toronto is holding spring training, to get his pitching rebalanced.
Along the way, he was reunited with Ryu Hyun-jin, who is in the final stages of his rehabilitation. Ryu finished his bullpen work and started throwing live pitches. A second live pitch was scheduled for the 23rd. The two have been seen working out together from time to time in anticipation of being back together in the major leagues.
According to MLB.com, Manoa threw 75 pitches in a simulated game on the 17th. He will throw another 75 pitches in a simulated game on the 22nd. “If Manoa’s session on the 22nd goes well, his next outing will be in a minor league game approximately five days later,” the Gold and Blue Nation reported today. Toronto’s Single-A team is playing in the Florida Complex League. Many believe this is a natural next step for the 25-year-old pitcher.”
Toronto manager John Schneider believes it’s good for Manoa to meet with Ryu for psychological reassurance. “It’s good to have someone you can confide in a little bit,” he said, adding, “He’s had his ups and downs in his career, and it’s good for them to be together.”토토사이트
As Schneider said, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Ryu since his major league debut in 2013. Closer to home, he struggled with extreme ups and downs leading up to his Tommy John surgery last June. For Manoa, who is facing his first major league trial, Ryu’s experience will be invaluable. The two have already been a “soul mate” for the past year or two.
Once Ryu is done pitching live, he will begin a full minor league rehab assignment. It’s likely to be Triple-A. From this point on, their paths are likely to diverge. Compared to Manoa, who didn’t have a timetable for his return, Ryu’s timetable is set for right after the All-Star break. Of course, if he experiences pain that makes it difficult to throw, his return will naturally be delayed as he works through live pitching and rehabilitation sessions.
It’s hard to say at this point who will return to the big leagues first, Ryu or Manoa. Regardless, Toronto is desperate to get them back on track. Contrary to what some local media outlets have said, Toronto is not in the market for a starting pitcher trade. Toronto needs a healthy Ryu and Manoa in 2022 mode if they want to mount a second-half comeback. Ideally, they’d like to see their bromance rekindled in the majors.