Manoah exits after taking comebacker to elbow

TORONTO — The Blue Jays were almost dealt a nightmare scenario on Friday when Alek Manoah was forced to leave the game against the Tigers after being hit on the elbow by a comebacker.

Manoah underwent X-rays after being removed with what the team called an elbow contusion, and initial imaging came back negative.

A Jonathan Schoop liner that came off his bat at nearly 93 mph hit Manoah square in his throwing arm, ending the All-Star’s night — one that already started without George Springer and Bo Bichette in the Blue Jays’ lineup, as both dealt with discomfort.

Manoah immediately brought his left hand to his elbow and winced in pain, crouching beside the mound as the infield completed the putout at first. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gestured for trainer Jose Ministral and interim manager John Schneider. Manoah didn’t attempt to throw before leaving the field for lefty Tim Mayza to take over in relief.

Toronto’s prized starter was lacking a bit of his dominance on Friday, but he still kept the Blue Jays in the game despite a lukewarm offensive night. The 24-year-old struck out four Tigers batters over 5 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs including a solo shot to Willi Castro.

Manoah’s early exit comes the night after left-hander Yusei Kikuchi made a solid return from the 15-day IL, ostensibly giving the Blue Jays’ some more certainty around their five-man rotation ahead of the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline.