Alek Manoah Refuses To Shake Manager's Hand, Furious At Being Pulled

There are many around baseball who lament the disappearance of the "complete game" in the sport—allowing a starting pitcher to go nine innings. That argument took center stage today in Toronto, when starter Alek Manoah was pulled after 8 innings despite dominating the Cincinnati Reds on only 83 pitches. Manoah was so furious with the decision by manager Charlie Montoyo that he refused to shake his hand.

Alek Manoah wanted to come back out for the 9th inning. #NextLevel | @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/qkg96iNEzs

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 21, 2022

Manoah allowed just 7 hits and one run while breezing through 8 innings, and pleaded his case to Montoyo and pitching coach Pete Walker in the dugout, but to no avail. 

These days, it's called "protecting the pitcher" to avoid injuries. But as noted by Jays analyst Joe Siddall after the game, "I'm tired of that conversation... They're protecting pitchers like never before, and just as many or more are getting hurt."

Jays observers everywhere were siding with the young ace's pleas to finish what he started. 

Bullsh*t move by Montoyo to take Manoah out. Let him at least start the 9th. 82 pitches. #BlueJays

— Mark Hebscher (@Hebsyman) May 21, 2022

Come on, Charlie and Pete. This is bullshit. Manoah deserves the 9th.

— Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb) May 21, 2022

Manoah pitching a gem & wants his 1st shot at a complete game & you pull him at 83 pitches? What a joke

— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) May 21, 2022

Love that Manoah just no, you ain’t taking me out. Hahaha!!!

— Ricky Romero (@Ricky_Ro24) May 21, 2022

The last 9-inning complete game by a Blue Jays starter was FIVE YEARS ago, 2017 (Marcus Stroman).

In the end, closer Jordan Romano came on to get a 1-2-3 ninth, saving Manoah's 5th win of the season, to go with a 1.62 ERA—3rd best in the majors. Manoah says his competitive fires can explain his reaction after getting pulled. “They know how competitive I am…but, I’m not the coach.”

No... But he is the ace.

Photo Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports