The Toronto Blue Jays are waiting one more day to determine if Alek Manoah will make his MLB season debut on Sunday.
The team told reporters on Friday that it will name a starter for Sunday's series finale against the Washington Nationals in the next 24 hours. Manoah is an option, and is throwing a side session with triple-A Buffalo on Friday in Indianapolis.
It's also possible Manoah could make another start for Buffalo on Sunday in Indianapolis.
The Jays have a starting spot open after Yariel Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day IL earlier this week with a back injury.
Manoah, 26, has been rehabbing in the minor leagues to start the 2024 season after sustaining a shoulder injury in spring training. His 30-day rehab window is set to close on Monday.
Manoah impressed in his last start for triple-A Buffalo, striking out 12 and giving up just one run in six innings against Indianapolis. It was a major turnaround for Manoah, who has an 8.69 ERA in five minor-league starts this season.
The former All-Star has struggled since his 2022 Cy Young-calibre campaign. Named the 2023 Opening Day starter, Manoah was designated for assignment in early June of that year. He bounced between the MLB and the minor leagues for the remainder of the year, ultimately finishing with a 5.87 ERA in 87.1 innings pitched.
Meanwhile, centre fielder Kevin Kiermaier (hip) has resumed baseball activities and could be activated from the IL this weekend.
Relievers Bowden Francis (forearm) and Chad Green (shoulder) are rehabbing back in Toronto, with both scheduled to throw from 120 feet Friday.
