Shane Bieber timeline remains murky as Toronto Blue Jays transfer veteran to 60-Day injured list

The timeline for Shane Bieber’s return remains uncertain after the Toronto Blue Jays moved the veteran right-hander from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.

The transaction coincided with the team’s acquisition of infielder slugger Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox.

The opt in, and the speculation around the why he didn't go to market because a more in-depth physical would be required for a big ticket, is making more and more sense now.

The 30-year-old made seven starts for the Blue Jays last season, logging 40.1 innings with 37 strikeouts and a solid 3.57 ERA.

His recovery process has been deliberately cautious, and the move to the 60-day injured list means he will be sidelined until at least late May.

During spring training, Bieber was not cleared to throw off a mound due to lingering discomfort in his surgically repaired elbow. However, there has been some progress, he completed his third bullpen session of the season this past weekend.

The next step in his rehab could be facing live hitters, though he still appears to be a couple of weeks away from beginning a minor-league assignment.

Elsewhere on the pitching staff, the Blue Jays are optimistic that Trey Yesavage could return after another rehab outing or two.

José Berríos remains active, while Cody Ponce is expected to be sidelined long for the rest of the season.

What was once viewed as a strength for Toronto’s roster has quickly become a concern.

Toronto's starting pitching looked like a strength heading into the season, but right now, it looks more like pitcher by committee, beyond Gausman and Cease.

Bieber still faces a lengthy road to recovery, and the Blue Jays will need to stay healthy elsewhere on the roster as they await his return.

Perhaps Toronto's acquisition of veteran lefty Patrick Corbin will help alleviate some of these concerns by eating up some innings until the rotation gets healthy.

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Toronto Blue Jays acquire slugger Lenyn Sosa in trade with Chicago White Sox