Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah scheduled to begin rehab assignment this Sunday at Single-A Dunedin

After allowing four runs on three hits, three hit-by-pitches, and a walk over 1.2 innings in his only spring training outing, Manoah reported shoulder soreness to Blue Jays trainers a few days later, prompting a series of tests, which didn’t reveal any structural damage.

The 11th-overall selection from 2019 didn’t throw off a mound for a couple of weeks while his shoulder recovered, but he did play catch regularly to maintain his mechanics and release point. He threw his first live batting practice session on Mar. 22 before completing a 34-pitch simulated game a few days later.

Despite being on the IL, Manoah travelled with the Blue Jays to Tropicana Field for their season-opening series against the Tampa Bay Rays. But he wasn’t just there for moral support, as he also tossed a side session in the bullpen last Sunday.

Manoah aims to deliver a bounce-back season after struggling to a 5.87 ERA and 6.01 FIP with 59 walks in 87.1 innings over 19 starts in 2023. He was demoted to the minors twice, with his second marking the end of a nightmare campaign.

Sunday’s start will begin the 6-foot-6 hurler’s 30-day rehab clock. Once it expires, the Blue Jays must activate him or extend his IL stint. With two minor-league options remaining, there’s no guarantee he’ll return to the majors once healthy and fully stretched out.