It’s been a rollercoaster season for Alek Manoah.
Manoah excelled in his return to the big leagues on Friday after a brief stint in the minor leagues, throwing one-run pitches over six innings against the Detroit Tigers.
The 25-year-old was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award last year.
But he struggled in his first 13 starts this season posting a 6.36 ERA after posting a 2.24 ERA last season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 7, 2023 in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
With options remaining, the Toronto Blue Jays sent him to the Florida Complex League, the lowest level of the minors.
Even that was a head turner. It took him three weeks to get back on the mound, and when he finally did, he gave up 11 earned runs in 2⅔ innings.
Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates in the bottom of the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a game at Rogers Center on September 18, 2022 in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
But on Friday night, it looked just like before. He struck out eight and allowed just five hits in Detroit, throwing 91 pitches.
Manoah also posted a 0.99 WHIP last year, but at the time of his demotion last month, he led the majors in walks allowed. He didn’t walk a batter on Friday.
YANKEES TV NETWORK OFFERS UPDATE ON CAMERAMAN WHO WAS STRETCHED OFF FIELD
Friday marked the second time Manoah pitched into the sixth inning since April 22. His last MLB start, when he allowed six earned runs in just one-third of an inning, was his fourth outing this season in which he allowed at least five earned runs.
Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2022 in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Toronto is 49-40 and ranks third in the AL East, seven games behind the Tampa Bay Rays.