TODAY: Bieber is tentatively slated to throw a bullpen session tomorrow or Saturday, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti told MLB.com’s Mandy Bell and other reporters.
AUGUST 8: Indians ace Shane Bieber was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a shoulder strain back on June 14, then moved to the 60-day IL two weeks ago. That sets August 15 as the earliest Bieber can make his return to Cleveland’s rotation, yet it doesn’t look at the moment like the right-hander will be ready until well beyond that date.
Bieber was recently shut down from throwing altogether, though that shutdown only lasted a few days, as the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner was making tosses from 90 feet on Friday.
“I’m not super enthused about the fact that it’s taken a little bit longer than expected, but it is what it is and we gotta think safety and long-term,” Bieber told The Akron Beacon Journal’s Ryan Lewis and other reporters. “So it came down to getting a little bit of rest and I’m sure you can tell that I’m excited and want to come back as soon as possible….I don’t know too much on a timeline or whatever, but I’m just trying to progress as smoothly and quickly as possible and get back as soon as possible. Whether it’s a couple innings this season, who knows?”
Given that we’re now into the second week of August, Lewis notes that it might not be either possible or feasible for Bieber to pitch again this season. Between pitching off a mound, bullpen sessions, and rehab outings, Bieber isn’t likely to be ready until the start of September at the earliest.
Cleveland currently has a 53-55 record and is well behind in both the AL Central and wild card races, so unless the Tribe considerably closes either gap in the near future, the Indians could opt to shut Bieber down and look ahead to the 2022 season. On the other hand, if Bieber is indeed healthy and ready to pitch by (for instance) mid-September, there also might not be any harm in him getting “a couple innings” under his belt just so he can fully put his shoulder injury behind him, rather than wait until Spring Training in February.
The Tribe were racked by pitching injuries this season, with Bieber’s shoulder issue robbing him of a chance to fully follow up on his outstanding 2020 campaign. The right-hander wasn’t quite at his all-world Cy Young form in 2021, but he still delivered a 3.28 ERA and a 33.9% strikeout rate that ranked among the league’s best. With Bieber only entering arbitration eligibility for the first time this winter, he is still a major building block for a Cleveland team that will look to return to contention as they begin the Guardians era next year.
It’s a shame that he’s been out this long. He was having a great year before he got hurt. As much as I hate the Indians (blew a 3-1 lead!) I hope he is able to be back sometime this season.
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
It’s beyond weird that you’re always saying this same thing. As if you’re some sort of Baseball health fairy…
But it’s supposed to funny and we’re all supposed to laugh even if it’s the 1087th time it’s posted…
Feverpitch has explained before that it’s not a joke. He types it to spread some positive vibes. (Still weird but he seems like a good guy.)
At this point why not shut him down for the rest of the season because Cleveland is clearly playing for next year at this point. If only teams had incentives to try and win as many games as possible…
Agreed
As much as I don’t hate the Guardians, this is one of the top 5 pitchers in baseball. Just like Tatis & Acuna I want to see this guy back healthy & dominating. I hope for everything he pitches again this year.
What happens to metal when you don’t use it, it rusts. Don’t shut this guy down.
Just shut him down…..zero reward to bringing him back when you’re not competitive for a WC birth.
Doesn’t it usually take 9 months for one of those?
Doesn’t it take 9 months for one of those?
Can we discuss the Mets total incompetence?
The Mets incompetence has become a bit “old hat” at this point.
Angels need to bring Bieber home this winter. Trade one of adell or marsh plus a couple others and get it done. Angels shouldn’t be relying on reid detmers at this time as he was only drafted last year and looks rushed.
Ohtani 2.93
Bieber 3.27
Sandoval 3.39
Suarez 3.6
Cobb (if resigned cheaply) 3.8
Barria 4.12
Not bad coupled with angels offense. This could be the best rotation they have had in a decade
Except he won’t be a free agent until 2025 and the Tribe have little reason to give him up so long as they have him on a cheap deal.
Probably will get back before the forgotten man Mike Trout.
What’s it matter. They stink.
Used to be rotator cuff. Now every sore armed pitcher needs TJS. I’d ramp him up and have him start a few games in September to make sure his shoulder is sound then shelve him until next spring. To find out next March that he needs surgery would be a disaster.
Shoulder is not cause for Tommy John Surgery. You’ve got your injuries mixed up RJ.
No – what I was trying to say is that years ago – many – rotator cuff surgery was the norm for a pitcher. Now it’s elbow.
Too bad Bieber wasn’t healthy, Preller would’ve traded away the rest to the farm for him.
Too many folks want to shut down guys like Tatis, Acuna, Trout, Bieber & Soto, save them for next year. Treat them like they belong in a glass menagerie.
These athletes got to where they are by going balls to the wall & giving it everything.. They’re special because they give it their all. We don’t want to see anything less & they don’t want to show us anything less.
With all due respect. What is the point of bringing Biebs back when all is lost as far as the season is concerned? Yes I’d like to see him come back,but why take a chance on injuring him more. He’s going to pitch his heart out just to watch that minor league offense score one run or less most of the time. Can’t figure it.