After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024, the Cleveland Guardians have to be extremely pleased with Shane Bieber’s recovery to this point.
Bieber had to go under the knife after two dominant starts at the beginning of last season, in which he tossed 12 scoreless innings and struck out 20.
He was given an approximate 2025 mid-season timeline to return, knowing that it could be sooner or later than that depending on his recovery.
Fortunately, his rehab has been going smoothly.
The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner is now throwing five days a week and increased the distance to 135 feet.
He has accumulated four bullpen sessions, and facing live hitters could be on the horizon for him.
Bieber’s longtime pitching coach, Carl Willis, discussed the pitcher’s progress.
To read the words ‘the ball is just jumping out of his hand’ is extremely comforting if you are a Guardians fan.
“The ball’s just jumping out of his hand,” pitching coach Carl Willis said, per the team’s official site. “I think it’s a testament to Shane Bieber and him knowing his delivery. We’re excited what we’re seeing now, but we’re still trying to make sure we stay the course and don’t jump the gun.”
Bieber, the man with a career 3.22 ERA and the upside to strike out 200+ hitters every year, definitely looks like he is ahead of schedule.
Associate manager Craig Albernaz also took advantage of the opportunity to praise Bieber and show how impressed he is with his recovery.
“His ’pens have been right where he needs to be,” Albernaz said. “Free and easy delivery, power in the strike zone. His velocity is there, too, which is nice to see. Right now at every turn, every checkpoint, he’s answered the bell.”
Opening Day is a stretch, but the Guardians could have Bieber back by June, or perhaps even May.
The most important thing, regardless of when he returns, is the form he shows when he steps on a major league mound.
NEXT: Guardians Shortstop Looks Primed For Breakout Season
