Manoah blasts analyst for doubting training habits: 'Check the numbers'

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah did not take kindly to criticism regarding his perceived training habits from former player Anthony Recker on MLB Network on Wednesday.

"I love you, Alek. Just show me you're willing to put in a little more time in the gym and that you're going to be there consistently for a little bit longer," Recker said, comparing the AL Cy Young finalist to other young star pitchers.

Manoah found the tweet capturing the clip and tagged Recker, highlighting his own success while mocking the analyst's playing career.

Recker, 39, played parts of seven seasons between four teams, hitting .199/.283/.348. with 18 homers and three stolen bases across 206 games.

The former backup catcher quickly attempted to clarify his remarks, saying the clip is out of context and Manoah is "an incredible talent."

That didn't win over Manoah, who is coming off a tremendous accolade-filled sophomore campaign.

In his first full season, Manoah authored a 2.24 ERA and 3.35 FIP over 196 2/3 innings, making the All-Star and All-MLB teams and finishing third in AL Cy Young voting. Since the 24-year-old broke into the majors with 111 2/3 innings as a rookie in 2021, only Max Scherzer and Julio Urias possess a lower ERA among pitchers with least 300 innings.