Earlier this month, on June 5, Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber was scratched from a rehab start in Double-A after he reported elbow soreness following a bullpen session.
Fortunately for Bieber and Cleveland, it turned out to be just regular soreness rather than something more, and he was able to continue his throwing progression after a week of rest.
Bieber threw a bullpen on Tuesday, with no ill effects.
On Friday, he pitched another one, a 25-pitch session that went well.
“Cleveland Guardians RHP Shane Bieber threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday at Progressive Field featuring all of his pitches,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Shane Bieber threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday at Progressive Field featuring all of his pitches.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 28, 2025
That setback earlier this month does appear to be in the rearview mirror now.
The Guardians and Bieber flirted with danger, but dodged a bullet as he can continue his rehab.
He will soon face hitters again, and a rehab assignment should be around the corner.
It’s hard to determine when exactly he will be back starting games for the Guardians, but it should happen not too long after the All-Star break.
For a time, it seemed like his 2025 was over before it began, but here he is, resuming his rehab and fighting to regain his health.
With Cleveland playing .500 ball, they desperately need an ace who can deliver both length and effectiveness on the mound.
If he is 100 percent or close to that, Bieber can be that guy.
Can he reach the form that made him the 2020 AL Cy Young? It will be fascinating to find out eventually.
NEXT: Former Guardians Player Weighs In On Current Offensive Crisis
