The saga of Toronto Blue Jays junior pitcher Alec Manoa (25), who followed Hyun-jin Ryu (36), is lasting longer than expected.

“Manoa’s year from hell continues as he’s been moved to the Triple-A disabled list,” the Toronto Sun reported on June 6. “Manoa has been placed on Triple-A Buffalo’s temporary disabled list,” the Canadian outlet said.

According to the minor league website, a minor leaguer can be placed on the disabled list “when a minor leaguer is away from the team for a few days for personal reasons or is not on the disabled list due to All-Star Game travel.

It’s a sign that things aren’t going as well as expected. “Manoa remained in Toronto when many thought he would join the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons,” the source said, “which is why nothing has been communicated for nearly two weeks. Toronto insisted Manoa was not injured, but he had to undergo some sort of extensive testing.”

Manoa hasn’t pitched since throwing four innings against the Cleveland Indians on May 11. “No one knows when Manoa will return,” the outlet said.카지노

After going 9-2 with a 3.22 ERA in his big league debut in 2021, he broke out last year with a 16-7 record and 2.24 ERA, earning American League (AL) All-Star honors, finishing third in Cy Young Award voting and 17th in MVP voting.

Manoa has been touted as the pitcher of the future. He was known as “Ryu Hyun-jin’s guy” because he followed Ryu during his rookie year and sought advice from him, and the two spent time together in the minor leagues this season, showing a special “bromance”.

Manoa’s presence also played a role in Ryu’s extended absence, which made it difficult for him to secure a spot upon his return. Manoa was expected to have a bright future.

However, he has struggled mightily this season, going 3-9 with a 5.87 ERA. After a brief stint in the minors, he was removed from the active roster on Nov. 11 and placed on the disabled list on Nov. 5.

“Given Manoa’s competitive nature and personality, it must have been heartbreaking to learn of his second demotion,” said the Toronto Sun. “Even if Toronto clinches a postseason berth with 24 games remaining, Manoa will not be on the fall roster.”

“The word around baseball is that he’s not physically injured, but he’s definitely mentally broken,” he said, adding, “I’m starting to get the feeling that he’s not going to be back with the team this year.”

Whether or not Manoa rebounds has been crucial for Toronto this season. After this season, Ryu will be eligible for free agency.

As MLB.com previously reported, “Hyun-jin Ryu will be a free agent after 2023. The team’s No. 1 prospect, Rickey Tideman, is still not a sure thing,” and “Can Manoa’s name be written with confidence as one of the five starters next spring, or will they bring in another veteran pitcher, whose career could be turned upside down in an instant. Maybe Manoa will rebound. When that time comes, it will be an unbelievable story. But this season has been a season of unexpected twists.”

With Manoa’s future uncertain, Toronto’s reliance on Hyun-jin Ryu has grown even more.