Alek Manoah Dazzles in First Extended Outing Since Return

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Alek Manoah made came into Monday’s game down seven runs to the Cleveland Guardians, but that didn’t stop him from putting together a promising start for his new ballclub. Manoah entered Monday’s game in the fourth inning, and threw five scoreless innings for the Angels. He logged two strikeouts in the outing, allowing five walks but only two hits.

“I didn’t know how many innings I was going to throw,” Manoah said . “I just grabbed the ball and made pitches. I was trying to be too perfect early on, but then I remembered my job was to keep us in the game and save the bullpen, so I just started attacking.

” 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 Tuesday marked Manoah’s second appearance for the Angels after signing a deal with them in the offseason, as well as the first one in which he has pitched more than an inning. While only about half of the pitches he threw counted as strikes, manager Kurt Suzuki was impressed with his performance.

“He grinded and gave us everything that we needed,” Suzuki said. “Guys that are successful execute pitches when they have to, and he did a good job of that tonight. ” Despite Manoah’s efforts, the Angels scored just two runs in the game and fell short in their series opener against the Guardians.