The Cleveland Guardians have been without their ace, Shane Bieber, since last April.
After two incredibly impressive starts to open the 2024 campaign (12 scoreless innings with 20 strikeouts), Bieber blew out his elbow and had to go under the knife.
Tommy John surgery was his fate, which meant two things: one, he would have to face free agency as a rehabbing player; and two, that he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
The Guardians were able to retain him on a one-year deal with a player option for 2026, partially because the injury lowered his free agent price a bit.
Guardians fans, at this point, only want to know one thing: his return date.
These things are impossible to predict after Tommy John surgery, but the organization had some good news to share on Friday.
“Guardians with positive medical updates on several players including Shane Bieber, whose throwing program has him out to 120 feet. He should begin throwing off a mound soon. Right-hander had elbow reconstruction in April,” longtime Guardians reporter Tom Withers posted on X.
Guardians with positive medical updates on several players including Shane Bieber, whose throwing program has him out to 120 feet.
He should begin throwing off a mound soon.
Right-hander had elbow reconstruction in April.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) February 14, 2025
To be more specific, the press release that the Guardians sent said that Bieber would initiate his mound progression in mid-February, which is basically now.
Medical update as we begin camp: pic.twitter.com/RpX2OUgJDV
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) February 14, 2025
Starting mound work doesn’t mean his return is imminent.
He will have to progress to throwing bullpens, then live batting practice, and probably either extended spring training or rehab starts in the minor leagues after that.
What this means is that there is a tangible chance Bieber can return at some point in the first half.
That would be a huge win for Cleveland.
The goal is to have him contributing at some point in the summer.
The team will need him in the stretch run and, particularly, the playoffs.
NEXT: Guardians Sign Veteran Pitcher To One-Year Deal
