Toronto Blue Jays ace Alek Manoah brushes off Alex Verdugo's latest criticism: "I don't give a s**t"
To say Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah is an emotional guy is an understatement. The 2022 All-Star ace is one of the game's most vocal and outspoken starting pitchers. Manoah wears his heart on his sleeve and that can sometimes rub opposing players the wrong way.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo was the latest player to criticize Manoah for his in-game conduct. Verdugo was speaking on a local Boston radio show on WEEI when he called out Manoah for his antics.
Alek Manoah, however, brushed off the Red Sox player's jibes in typical Manoah fashion:
"Coming from him? I don't give a s**t"
Per a recent article in the Toronto Sun, Manoah went on to say that his job as a pitcher was to "get guys out."
Alex Verdugo calls out Alek Manoah, saying he goes about celebrating the wrong way
"That shit just pisses me off. It's not the way it should be played."
(via @WEEI) https://t.co/THF9BOn4yI
"Alex Verdugo calls out Alek Manoah, saying he goes about celebrating the wrong way 'That shit just pisses me off. It's not the way it should be played.' (via @WEEI)" - Jomboy Media
At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, the imposing Manoah has built his game on aggression and going after guys. He has had several confrontations over his career and seems to relish the opportunity to squabble with hitters.
Verdugo went on to say that the way Manoah approaches the game pisses him off.
Alek Manoah was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2022 and finished with 16 wins
Since working his way up to the big leagues in 2021, Alek Manoah has established himself as one of MLB's top pitchers.
The 25-year-old finished with a 9-2 record in his rookie season and struck out 127 batter over 111.2 innings.
In 2022, he led the Toronto Blue Jays with 16 wins. He also led the team in WHIP and opponents' batting average. He finished second in the lineup in strikeouts behind Kevin Gausman.
Verdugo is not the first player to call out Manoah. Last season, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole found himself in a back-and-forth with Manoah late in the season. The altercation ended with Manoah taunting Cole after the game by saying:
"If Gerrit wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign next time."
@timandfriends“I think if Gerrit wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign next time.”
Alek Manoah had some words for Gerrit Cole after today’s incident.
🎥 @timandfriends https://t.co/w0ilFMDWUp
"'I think if Gerrit wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign next time.' Alek Manoah had some words for Gerrit Cole after today’s incident. timandfriends" - The Athletic MLB
As long as Manoah continues to put up big numbers, the Jays don't seem to have a problem with his combative approach to the game.
The rivalry between Manoah and Verdugo should make for some great drama when the Boston Red Sox face the Toronto Blue Jays in early May.