Exciting News: Blue Jays Set to Activate Shane Bieber This Friday!

Right-hander Shane Bieber is set to make his debut for the Blue Jays this Friday against the Marlins in Miami. Manager John Schneider confirmed this news before today’s game. Currently, Bieber is on the 60-day injured list and must be added to the 40-man roster before he pitches. There is an available spot, which simplifies the process.

The Blue Jays recently acquired Bieber, even as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in 2024. This move reflects their hopes for enhancing their playoff rotation. Their current lineup includes experienced pitchers, but they lack a true ace. Max Scherzer, while impressive in his prime, is now 41 and dealing with a thumb issue. Eric Lauer boasts a solid 2.76 ERA but has inconsistent velocity and limited recent experience. Other veterans like Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt provide stability but aren’t viewed as top-tier pitchers.

Bieber, at his best, could elevate the team. He won the Cy Young award in 2020 with a stellar 1.63 ERA and struck out over 41% of batters. While he has faced setbacks since then, including a subscapularis strain and elbow issues, he logged 200 innings in 2022 with a solid 2.88 ERA. Last season, however, his performance declined, revealing signs of elbow trouble.

As of his minor league rehabilitation, Bieber has shown promise, with a 1.86 ERA and a 34.6% strikeout rate over 29 innings. Though his fastball has lost some speed, currently averaging 92.8 mph compared to 94.1 mph in 2020, improvement is noticeable.

The Jays don’t need him to be flawless right away. They are nearly guaranteed a playoff spot and will focus more on his performance come October. With over a month left in the season, they’ll have time to evaluate his pitching. Interestingly, Sandy Alcantara, who recovered from similar surgery, managed to get his velocity back but still struggles with a high ERA.

Regarding the rotation, it’s undetermined if the Jays will opt for a six-man setup or adjust someone to a long relief role. They face the Pirates tonight, with Gausman, Scherzer, and Bassitt as planned starters. Their next series will help them gauge the best approach.

For Bieber, this time is crucial. At the end of the season, he’ll decide between a $16 million player option for 2026 or a $4 million buyout. If he performs well, taking the buyout could be an attractive option. However, struggles or new injuries will make this decision harder.

In summary, the Blue Jays are banking on Bieber’s potential to enhance their playoff chances. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he adapts post-surgery and impacts the team moving forward.



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