Alek Manoah is set to make first rehab start on Sunday.

According to Kaitlyn McGrath on speaking with Manager John Schneider, Manoah competed in a a three-inning simulated game on Tuesday. The Jay's Ace is reportedly set to embark on a rehab assignment this Sunday, during a simulated game on Tuesday, Manoah showcased promising progress to his shoulder, as he tallied 48 pitches while striking out six batters.

The 26-year-old right-hander's spring training was hampered by right shoulder soreness, leading to his placement on the injured list for the start of the season. This setback paved the way for Bowden Francis to secure the final spot in the Blue Jays' starting rotation.

Manoah is aiming to rebound from a challenging 2023 season, where he struggled to a 5.87 ERA across 19 starts, spending much of the latter half of the season in the minor leagues. Despite a rocky start this spring, with him allowing four earned runs in 1.2 innings in his sole appearance, there's optimism surrounding his potential resurgence.

It's essential to note Manoah's standout performance in the 2022 season, where he boasted a remarkable 16-7 record with a stellar 2.24 ERA, ultimately clinching the third spot in the American League Cy Young voting.

As the Blue Jays prepare for their home opener against the Yankees on Friday afternoon, their offensive woes, evident from their recent series against the Astros where they only managed to score two runs, underscore the significance of Manoah's potential return. The matchup will see Yusei Kikuchi taking the mound against former Blue Jay Marcus Stroman, adding an intriguing element to the highly anticipated game.