The Cleveland Guardians rotation has enjoyed two consecutive gems from starting pitchers: Tanner Bibee on Tuesday and Luis Ortiz on Wednesday.
Before those two excellent outings, however, starters had failed to consistently combine length with effectiveness.
Cleveland could soon get some much-needed help, though.
Shane Bieber, out since last April while recovering from Tommy John surgery, is ready for the next step in his rehab: live batting practice.
“Shane Bieber to begin pitching in live batting practice in early May,” Cleveland sports reporter Camryn Justice posted on X.
The #Guardians released a list of medical updates. Some notables:
Shane Bieber to begin pitching in live batting practice in early May.
David Fry expected to begin a game progression in early May.
Trevor Stephan expected to begin pitching in live batting practice in early May. pic.twitter.com/jIFVLvXJtu
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) April 30, 2025
The Guardians updated the status of some of their injured players, and Bieber was one of them.
They said he has been throwing bullpen sessions at the Arizona Academy, getting back his feel for pitching.
He is now ready to throw live batting practice, which brings with it an encouraging milestone in his rehab: facing hitters.
Bieber will, in the next few days, start facing batters, testing out his stuff against them, and remembering what it’s like to outline strategies to retire and dominate the opposition.
He will get to test his stuff post-surgery.
Live batting practice is the ultimate step on his way back: the last one would be a rehab assignment in the minor leagues once he is ready.
Given the time he has been on the mend, Bieber will likely require at least three or four starts in the minors when he is ready to take the mound in a professional, competitive environment.
The most likely scenario has him rejoining the Guardians rotation sometime in June.
Big things are expected from him this year.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Says 1 Guardians Pitcher Was 'Special' Against Twins
