An EMB170 Captain was dispatched with auto throttles inoperative; requiring manual thrust setting for all phases of flight. During takeoff an EICAS message ENG TLA NOT TOGA was annunciated. The takeoff was rejected. A second attempt is successful.

Narrative

The inbound crew indicated that they had had problems with auto throttles during flight and had deferred them in accordance with the MEL. We prepared the aircraft for departure. Upon reviewing the MEL; the actions listed were to manually set power for every phase of flight so we discussed this matter in detail before proceeding. Once entering the runway; I turned over aircraft control to the First Officer. He set T/O power which I then verified with instrumentation and throttle position. Everything looked and felt to be set correctly. Just prior to reaching 60 knots; we received an amber EICAS message ENG Thrust Lever Angle NOT TOGA. I swiftly took control and aborted the takeoff due to the short runway length. I felt this was the safest course of action. We then ran QRH related to EICAS message received. After discussing the situation; we reset the take off data and decided to taxi back to runway for takeoff. Second attempt continued without interruption. Suggest additional guidelines in MEL as to expectations and proper execution of take off with auto throttles INOP as well as additional crew training on operations without auto throttles.