Toronto Blue Jays' Shane Bieber reveals his progression, timeline for return
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Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber is continuing to ease his way back as he works through forearm fatigue, acknowledging that Opening Day may be out of reach.
Speaking to reporters in Dunedin, Fla., Toronto Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber said the club is keeping his recovery timeline flexible as he progresses through his throwing program.
“You want to know, and you want to have a date in mind, but they do a good job of trying to keep me week to week,” Bieber told The Canadian Press in the clubhouse of the Blue Jays’ Player Development Centre. “Ultimately, I’m just going to bed every night feeling happy that I feel good within my progression. We’re going to take it slow and be smart."
“It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish, and we definitely know that, judging from last year. I know this group’s hungry. I’m extremely hungry, and I can’t wait to get back there.”
According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, Bieber has resumed playing catch and is currently in the long-toss phase of his throwing progression — a sign he’s trailing some of the club’s other starters early in camp and reinforcing the cautious approach.
Shane Bieber is currently playing catch in his long toss progression. “I was just advised to take a little bit of time off and take it slow. These things take time, you know, I'm still not even two years out from TJ.” #BlueJays
Bieber pitching in a contract year bodes well for the Blue Jays
Toronto acquired the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner from Cleveland last season while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Bieber made seven regular-season starts for the Blue Jays, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA over 40.1 innings. He added another 18.2 innings during the team’s run to the World Series.
Though many expected Bieber to decline his player option and test free agency, he instead chose to exercise his $16-million option in November.
The decision sparked speculation that he preferred the security of a guaranteed salary while continuing to rebuild arm strength before re-entering the market.
His delayed ramp-up is less than ideal for a Toronto rotation already without Bowden Francis, who will miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Still, the Blue Jays appear well-stocked with Dylan Cease leading the staff, supported by Kevin Gausman, Cody Ponce, Eric Lauer and José Berrios.
Both general manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider have expressed confidence that with proper management, Bieber can remain healthy and make a meaningful impact this season.
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