ANAHEIM — The American League’s deepest starting rotation is about to get even nastier. Alek Manoah, the big right-hander who signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Los Angeles Angels this past December, is closing in on his return to the active roster.
After a bizarre and painful spring training setback — losing a fingernail during a Cactus League start — Manoah has cleared the final stages of his rehab and is scheduled to begin a minor-league assignment this weekend. His progress was on full display during a high-intensity simulated game on April 21, where he dominated for four innings against live hitters. Sources say Manoah was sitting comfortably at 96 mph with his heavy sinker while his slider had batters swinging through empty air.
Manager Kurt Suzuki couldn’t hide his excitement after the session. “Alek came out really good,” Suzuki said. “He’s using his full repertoire now, and the finger is a non-issue. He’s hungry to get back out there and help this staff in a big way.”
The timing couldn’t be better for an Angels team already sitting atop the AL West. While José Soriano and Reid Detmers have been lights-out, the fifth starter spot has been a revolving door thanks to nagging injuries and inconsistency. Manoah, with his career 3.34 ERA and former Cy Young finalist pedigree, brings exactly the veteran presence and bulldog mentality the rotation has been missing.
The big Canadian arrived in Anaheim with a massive chip on his shoulder and a completely revamped fitness routine after battling injuries and inconsistency in recent years. The freak finger injury was frustrating, but it may have given him the extra rest needed to become a dominant second-half force.
As Manoah prepares to head to Triple-A Salt Lake for one or two rehab starts, the rest of the league is starting to take notice. The 2026 Angels are quietly building a legitimate pitching factory, and Alek Manoah is the next high-upside weapon ready to be unleashed.
If he returns anywhere close to his best form, Anaheim’s already formidable rotation could go from great to downright scary — exactly what the Halos need to make a serious push in a loaded American League.