The Braves made a notable roster move on Wednesday, claiming right-hander Alek Manoah off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Manoah was immediately optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he will finish the season as a potential depth option heading into 2026.
To open a roster spot, Atlanta placed second baseman Ozzie Albies on the 60-day injured list. Albies had already been sidelined with a fractured hamate bone that ended his season.
Manoah’s MLB Career
Manoah was one of the American League’s top pitchers just three seasons ago. In 2022, he was named an All-Star and Cy Young finalist, cementing his status as one of Toronto’s frontline starters.
The last two years, however, have been a struggle. Injuries derailed his progress, including a UCL issue and shoulder problems that required multiple injections. His big-league numbers never regained their 2022 peak.
Still, Atlanta views him as a worthwhile addition. Manoah remains under team control for two more years, making him a low-cost rotation option for 2026.
2025 Numbers in the Minors
While he hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2024, Manoah showed flashes of improvement this summer at Triple-A Buffalo. In 33 1/3 innings, he posted a 2.97 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP, suggesting he is healthy enough to contribute at some level.
For the Braves, who have spent much of 2025 searching for rotation depth, that minor league performance made him worth the claim.
Albies’ Season Officially Over
The corresponding move was procedural but symbolic. Albies had already been ruled out for the year after wrist surgery, and Wednesday’s IL placement ensured his season is officially over.
The 28-year-old second baseman now shifts focus to recovery and 2026, while Atlanta uses the roster space to gamble on Manoah’s upside.
What It Means for Atlanta
For an Atlanta Braves club already eliminated from playoff contention, the waiver claim is about looking ahead. Manoah offers low-risk depth for a rotation that will have open competition in spring training. Albies’ move to the IL clears the way to make that evaluation.
It’s not a move that changes the final week of 2025 — but it could matter when 2026 arrives.
