Alek Manoah, Charlie Montoyo suspended for roles in Jays-Orioles altercation
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It didn't take long for Toronto Blue Jays rookie Alek Manoah to get hit with his first suspension.
The right-handed pitcher has been given a five-game ban and an undisclosed fine for "intentionally throwing" at Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco on Saturday. The incident caused a benches-clearing altercation between the two teams and Manoah was ejected from the game.
Alek Manoah has been tossed from today's game after hitting an Orioles batter, causing the benches to clear. #BlueJaysOnSN. . pic.twitter.com/XsX1gjiU2S
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 19, 2021
Manoah claimed there was no intent on his part, saying the ball "slipped away." He will appeal the ruling, making him eligible to appear in games until the process has fully played out.
Manoah has made five starts in the majors in 2021, with three strong outings and two poor ones. Overall he owns a 4.18 ERA with a 10.3 K/9 rate.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo was also given a one-game suspension, which he will serve on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins. Montoyo says he disagrees with the decision but is understanding of the rule.
He will ironically not be in the dugout for the game in which star outfielder George Springer makes his long-awaited return from the injured list.
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