Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah has had a rough go of it this season, coming into Monday’s game with a 5.46 ERA on the year. That only got worse in a disastrous start against the Houston Astros, which included a hilarious moment where Manoah tried to blow a bunt foul to no avail.
Manoah allowed a leadoff single to Mauricio Dubón, which brought star shortstop Jeremy Peña to the plate.
Peña laid down a bunt to try and get the runner over to second base, but it ended up being even better than that. It was the perfectly placed bunt, hugging the foul line but not going over it.
Manoah did everything in his power to try and make it go foul, watching it the entire way. He eventually even got on his hands and knees to try and blow it into foul territory, but it came to a stop in fair play resulting in a bunt single for Peña.
What in the name of Lenny Randle is going on here?pic.twitter.com/FI2pz1PLmn
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 5, 2023
Many around the MLB world took notice of the hilarious play and offered their reaction on social media.
Jeremy Peña lays down the perfect bunt. Alex Manoah jokingly tried to help it go foul, but didn’t work.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) June 5, 2023
Lol did Manoah tried to blow it over the foul line? 😂😂😂
— Moka (@FrappMocha) June 5, 2023
Wouldn’t it be easier to actually play it and maybe get the out?!
— Iain Stevens (@iain_stevens) June 5, 2023
Embarassing. If you’re a player, you play that ball and try for an out. Instead he got a baserunner out of it and allowed a runner to advance, who eventually scored. If you want to call yourself a player, try playing the ball, not blowing on it. #shameful #NextLevel #bad
— Marc Despatie (@marc_despatie12) June 5, 2023
Can’t be trotting this disaster out there every 5th if you really fancy yourself as a playoff team. Manoah is #NextLevel bad
— Sherrygooner 🍉 (@Sherrymon) June 5, 2023
Things would go on to get far worse for Manoah. He would go on to allow six runs in the inning, including a grand slam from Astros outfielder Corey Julks. He would be pulled later in the inning after only recording one out.
Corey Julks goes deep for a grand slam and the Astros take a big early lead.⭐️ pic.twitter.com/FhfQBWoxg3
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 5, 2023
Manoah’s struggles this season are certainly disappointing for Blue Jays fans considering he was one of the best pitchers in baseball last season. He recorded a 2.24 ERA last year which earned him his first and only All-Star Game appearance thus far in his three-year MLB career.
[The Comeback on Twitter] Photo Credit: Sportsnet
