Jays' Manoah frustrated by struggles: 'I just got to keep fighting'

Toronto Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah expressed frustration over his lack of improvement after prolonging his season-opening struggles Wednesday evening with his sixth loss of the campaign.

"It's been tough, obviously," the 2022 All-Star said postgame, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. "I'm not doing what I'm meant to be doing, so I just got to keep fighting and keep finding positives and building off them."

Manoah allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two over four innings versus the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The 2022 Cy Young finalist now possesses a 5.46 ERA and 6.27 FIP over 57 2/3 innings.

"I've felt close for a while," Manoah added. "I just feel like balls aren't really rolling my way right now. And I'm not really helping myself either, giving guys a chance. Got to get in the box earlier, got to attack and throw everything I've got, every pitch I've got to give this team a chance."

Manoah also said that he believes his lack of command stems from physical and mental issues. He added that "the mindset of don't throw a ball here instead of throw a strike right here is a difference-maker, and right now I'm stuck in, 'Don't throw a ball here.'"

Toronto is 29-27 after a rough May, compiling an 11-17 record over the month. The Jays sit 10 games back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays and in fourth in the AL East.