Alek Manoah Makes Angels Debut in First MLB Appearance Since 2024
Before making his debut with the Los Angeles Angels on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays, reliever Alek Manoah’s last MLB appearance was nearly two years ago on May 29, 2024. At the time, Manoah was part of the Blue Jays starting rotation. He had spent the first four seasons of his career with Toronto, where he was the franchise’s Rookie of the Year in 2021, the franchise’s Pitcher of the Year in 2022 and earned a 2022 American League All-Star selection.
After making five starts to open the 2024 season, Manoah suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in June 2024. He spent the entire 2025 season completing rehab assignments within Toronto’s minor league system before the Blue Jays ultimately designated him for assignment on Sept. 23.
Manoah had a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves from the end of September to November before signing the Angels in free agency in December. Manoah was on track to make his Angels debut at the beginning of the season but a fingernail injury in spring training delayed his debut until Friday. Manoah made his long-awaited return to the mound on Friday.
He pitched one inning out of the bullpen for the Angels, striking out one batter and not giving up any hits or runs. May 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Alek Manoah (47) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images “It was good, man,” Manoah said after the game, per MLB .
“Felt like a debut again. It’s been a long time so it was good to be out there, pumping some strikes. ” It took 706 days for Manoah to make his return from the injury battles.