Defending Cy Young Award finalist optioned to lowest level of minor leagues as struggles mount

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Life came at Alek Monoah fast.

Last season, he dominated the All-Star Game, striking out three of the four batters he faced. He parlayed that into a third-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award vote. On Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced was optioned to the Florida Complex League — the lowest level of minor league baseball in North America.

Monoah had a more-than-promising rookie season in 2021, going 9-2 with a 3.22 ERA in 20 starts. But hardly anyone could have seen what was coming in 2022.

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Alek Manoah #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2022 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 4-2. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

He turned into one of the best pitchers in baseball, pitching to a 2.24 ERA, the fourth-lowest in all of baseball. His 0.99 WHIP was also the 10th-lowest mark.

However, what was once looked at has just a slump has turned into something much more. His ERA this season is up to 6.36.

Alek Manoah #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during game two of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 13, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Manoah's optioning comes less than 24 hours after he lasted just one-third of an inning against the defending champion Houston Astros after allowing six earned runs on seven hits, including a grand slam by Corey Julks.

The 25-year-old leads the majors with 42 walks allowed in 13 starts. He walked just 51 in 31 outings last year.

Manoah has pitched in the sixth inning just once since