Blue Jays: Memorable moments from the 2022 campaign

Alek Manoah Shows Everyone he is not Afraid of a Runner-Up Cy Young Candidate

August/21/2022

With the Blue Jays trying to catch the New York Yankees in the AL East (as well as fighting for a Wild Card playoff spot), the Blue Jays were facing the Yankees in New York in mid-August and a pitching duel was taking place in the final game of the four-game series between Alek Manoah and Nestor Cortes Jr.

In the fifth inning, Manoah pitched up and in on slugger Aaron Judge, hitting him on the arm. Manoah is known to be a bit wild but the Yankees took exception, especially 2021 runner-up Cy Young candidate Gerrit Cole, who voiced his displeasure by coming onto the field and yelling at the Blue Jays ace.

The right-hander was asked about the incident after the game and had this to say about the Yankees starter, “If Gerrit wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign next time,” making note of the Audi sponsorship sign located in front of the Yankees dugout. Cole had pitched the previous day against the Jays and they tagged him for four earned runs off five hits, earning the loss on the day. The Jays would eventually leave New York with the series win, taking three of four.

Manoah has been a fan favourite for the Jays since he joined the squad last year and gained a lot of favour when he showed that he wasn’t afraid of Cole or the Yankees squad. He also bolstered that fanbase a month later by defending teammate Alejandro Kirk when radio host Matthew Ross of TSN 690 criticized the catcher’s body via Twitter post, proving that one should consider the repercussions if they come after him or one of his teammates.