Alek Manoah stepped back onto the mound for the first time in nine months following Tommy John surgery, throwing 15 fastballs with his Blue Jays teammates cheering him on. Overjoyed, the 27-year-old expressed gratitude for his recovery journey and reflected on his past year, which saw him struggle with injuries and performance. Manoah, who had been sidelined since June, described the emotional weight of returning to the diamond, comparing the experience to the excitement of Christmas Eve. As he prepares for the next steps in his comeback, he is eager to contribute to the Blue Jays' push in the second half of the season.

His path back to the mound involved a hybrid Tommy John procedure that repaired his elbow, and he shared that his new ligament is expected to endure for years. Manoah acknowledged that despite a difficult past season where he faced setbacks and demotion, he has maintained faith in his abilities and the support from his pitching colleagues has been invaluable. As he anticipates soreness, he remains hopeful and focused, ready to reclaim his place in the rotation.