Alek Manoah and Charlie Montoyo Suspended by MLB

Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah is appealing his five-game suspension

Alek Manoah said his pitch to Maikel Franco “slipped away” Saturday, but Major League Baseball disagreed.

Manoah received a five-game suspension, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday, for “intentionally throwing at Maikel Franco” during Toronto’s Saturday matchup against the Orioles. Manager Charlie Montoyo also received a one-game suspension, which he will serve tonight against the Marlins.

“That’s the rule,” Montoyo said. “I don’t agree with it, but that’s the rule.”

Manoah will appeal his five-game suspension, which will not yet take effect, and the undisclosed fine he received. MLB’s decision was announced by Senior VP of On-Field Operations, Michael Hill.

“I’m just out there competing,” Manoah said after Saturday’s game.

The righty said the pitch, thrown after he gave up back-to-back homers, just slipped out of his hand. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he believed Manoah intentionally hit Franco, and Baltimore’s first basemen Ryan Mountcastle called the pitch a “red flag.”

If Manoah’s suspension is upheld, he will miss one start. His next scheduled appearance is set to be during this week’s series against Baltimore. Toronto’s manager said he has yet to speak with the young right-hander as of Tuesday afternoon.

Montoyo said he talked to Major League Baseball but didn’t consider appealing himself. A group of coaches including John Schneider, Pete Walker, Dave Hudgens, and Mark Budzinski will handle the game management tonight in Miami, Montoyo said.

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