Back in early June, Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians was fresh off making his first rehab start in the minor leagues and about to take the mound for the second time when he reported unusual soreness in his elbow.
The team decided to shut him down from throwing for a few days and had him undergo another MRI just to make sure everything was OK.
His surgically-repaired elbow was in great shape, so Bieber eventually resumed throwing and started to get ready to start minor league games again.
That day has finally come: he will take the ball in the Arizona Complex League on Tuesday.
The team has officially assigned him to that minor league team for him to resume his rehab with competitive games.
“Cleveland Guardians minor league transactions: RHP Shane Bieber assigned to Arizona Complex League for rehab assignment,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians minor league transactions
RHP Shane Bieber assigned to Arizona Complex League for rehab assignment
RHP Alaska Abney assigned to Arizona Complex League for rehab assignment
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 15, 2025
Bieber went under the knife in April 2024, when he suffered elbow ligament damage after two brilliant starts.
The road back has been long and full of setbacks, but the hope is that his arm can hold up and show it’s ready to help Cleveland in the second half at some point in late July or early August.
Bieber is expected to need multiple rehab starts before he is deemed ready.
His pending return is music to the Guardians and fans’ ears.
The main problem, however, remains the offense.
If the team wants to have a chance to make it to the postseason, offensive reinforcements are needed.
There is no point in having Bieber back to lose games 1-0.
NEXT: Insider Urges Guardians To Make Major Roster Moves
