Braves Claim Former All-Star Alek Manoah After Blue Jays DFA

The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, transferring infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list to make room on their 40-man roster. Manoah, a former All-Star and 2022 AL Cy Young finalist, had struggled in recent seasons due to injury and performance issues, including Tommy John surgery in 2024 and a disappointing 2023 season. Despite these setbacks, Manoah impressed during rehab starts with Triple-A Buffalo, posting a 2.97 ERA over seven outings, which the Braves hope signals a career revival. The Blue Jays designated Manoah for assignment due to roster constraints, choosing to prioritize depth over him as they pursued a postseason push. Manoah remains under team control through 2027 and is expected to compete for a spot in the Braves' rotation next season. Atlanta's acquisition reflects their strategic move to improve their roster for future success despite a less-than-expected 2025 season.