Alek Manoah Nears Angels Debut as Rehab Stint Reaches 90-Pitch Mark

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Alek Manoah is edging closer to his debut with the club after spending the start of the season recovering from a finger injury. The 28-year-old signed with the Angels over the offseason but has yet to appear in a major league game for his new team.

Manoah’s recovery process has been steady, with his workload gradually increasing as he works through a rehab assignment. While he remains sidelined at the MLB level, recent updates suggest he is nearing a key milestone in his return.

According to reporting ahead of the Angels’ matchup with the New York Mets, Manoah is scheduled to continue his rehab outing with Triple-A Rancho Cucamonga, where his pitch count is now approaching game-ready levels.

With his velocity and stamina trending upward, the expectation within the organization is that his return to the major league roster may not be far away.

1. Rehab Progress Signals Near Return

Alek Manoah’s latest step in his recovery involves a scheduled start in the minor leagues, where he is expected to throw up to 90 pitches. That workload is a significant indicator that he is nearing full readiness. Pitchers typically complete rehab assignments once they demonstrate the ability to handle near-regular-season pitch counts without issue. Manoah’s current progression suggests he is entering the final stages of that process. Team observers have noted that pitchers often return to MLB action once they consistently reach the 75–90 pitch range in rehab outings, placing Manoah firmly within that window. If his upcoming outing goes smoothly, it would position him strongly for activation in the near future, pending final evaluation from the Angels’ coaching and medical staff.

2. From Cy Young Contender To Injury Setbacks

Manoah’s current situation stands in contrast to his peak performance just a few seasons ago. In 2022, he emerged as one of the American League’s top pitchers while with the Toronto Blue Jays. That year, he finished third in Cy Young Award voting and earned his first All-Star selection, establishing himself as a rising star in the league with dominant command and consistency. However, his performance declined sharply in the seasons that followed. In 2023, he posted a 5.87 ERA across 19 appearances, struggling with command and effectiveness. His 2024 campaign was further limited, appearing in just five starts before injuries and inconsistency sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

3. Angels Banking On Upside

Despite recent struggles, the Angels remain optimistic that Manoah can rediscover his earlier form. The organization views him as a low-risk, high-reward addition with potential to strengthen their rotation. His current rehab progress has reinforced that belief, particularly as he continues to build pitch volume without setbacks. The team is monitoring both performance and recovery closely. Should he return to full strength, Manoah could provide valuable depth to a rotation that has been tested by injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons. For now, the Angels continue to manage his return carefully while focusing on their ongoing series, including Friday night’s matchup against the Mets in Anaheim.