Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider gives details on Shane Bieber's progress, timeline for return
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It looks like the Toronto Blue Jays will have to remain patient with right-hander Shane Bieber, as he's not expected to return to game action in the immediate future.
Manager John Schneider said Saturday that Shane Bieber is not yet scheduled to begin throwing off a mound.
Instead, the veteran will continue his throwing program on flat ground at a distance of 120 feet as he gradually builds strength.
The cautious approach has been part of the plan from the start.
Earlier this month, the Blue Jays revealed that Bieber was experiencing arm fatigue, prompting the club to slow down his spring progression.
Despite the setback, the team has emphasized that the issue is not structural. An MRI conducted during the offseason showed no damage.
Shane Bieber is still throwing at 120 feet, Schneider says, but not yet off the mound.
Seems like everything is still going according to their plan, but it's difficult to chart out any sort of timeline until the first time Bieber throws a real bullpen session. #BlueJays The expectation remains that Bieber will be available to pitch early in the regular season.
Blue Jays being cautious with Bieber heading into the season
The 30-year-old made a successful return from Tommy John surgery last August and played a key role in helping Toronto reach the World Series.
Over seven regular-season starts, he logged 40.1 innings, recorded 37 strikeouts, and posted a 3.57 ERA.
Bieber also contributed heavily in the postseason. He started in each of the club's three playoff rounds and even made a relief appearance in Game 7 of the World Series.
Across 18.2 playoff innings, he struck out 18 and finished with a 3.86 ERA.
Toronto acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians just ahead of last year's trade deadline, as the former Cy Young Award winner was nearing the end of his Tommy John rehab.
A two-time All-Star, Bieber owns a career 3.24 ERA over eight Major League seasons. In 2020, he captured the pitching Triple Crown and took home the Cy Young Award, cementing his status as one of baseball's elite arms when healthy.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28|104 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider gives details on Shane Bieber's progress, timeline for return Do you think Shane Bieber will be back by Opening Day? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 15.4 % |
| No | 73 | 70.2 % |
| Too early to tell | 15 | 14.4 % |
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