Manoah suspended 5 games for throwing at Orioles' Franco

Toronto Blue Jays rookie right-hander Alek Manoah has been suspended five games for intentionally throwing at Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco during Saturday's game, Major League Baseball announced.

Manoah, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, has elected to appeal.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo has been handed a one-game ban. Montoyo will serve his suspension during Tuesday's contest against the Miami Marlins, according to Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic.

"I don't agree with (my suspension), but that's the rule," Montoyo said, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. The skipper added that he has yet to speak to Manoah about his discipline.

Manoah hit Franco with a fastball on Saturday at Camden Yards, moments after surrendering back-to-back home runs. Franco took exception and began shouting at Manoah while walking toward him, leading to both benches and bullpens emptying and a brief skirmish.

Despite his protests and saying that hitting Franco was unintentional, Manoah was ejected from the game. The pitcher denied throwing at Franco on purpose postgame, adding that his fastball slipped.

Manoah, the 11th overall pick in 2019, owns a 4.18 ERA with 27 strikeouts and nine walks over five career big-league starts.