Blue Jays Make Stunning Roster Move Ahead Of Red Sox Series

The Toronto Blue Jays made three roster moves ahead of a pivotal three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.

Just over 30 minutes from first pitch, the Blue Jays announced they activated slugger Anthony Santander from the 60-day IL and placed Ty France on the 10-day IL. 

But the eye-catching move from Toronto was the Blue Jays designating pitcher Alek Manoah for assignment.

The Blue Jays selected Manoah 11th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft out of West Virginia. The 6-foot-6 right-hander took the MLB by storm in 2021, going 9-2 with a 3.22 ERA in 20 starts in his rookie season.

Manoah continued his success in 2022, going 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA in 31 starts, finishing third in American League Cy Young voting.

However, Manoah then struggled with his command and had a 6.36 ERA through his first 13 starts in 2023, leaving him to be sent down to the minors.

Manoah spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons between the minors and majors before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024.

As for the other part of the roster move, Toronto gets Santander back to add more pop to the lineup for the playoffs. The Blue Jays signed Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million deal this offseason.

However, Santander dealt with a shoulder injury and was placed on the IL on May 30. The switch-hitter was slashing .179/.273/.304 with six home runs and 18 RBI over 50 games before the injury.

The Red Sox enter the series five games back of the Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL East.