The Cleveland Guardians could really, really use an ace right now.
Good thing they have one in Shane Bieber.
At the moment, he is unavailable to pitch after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024, though.
However, he has made important strides in his recovery in recent weeks.
For the first time in over a year, Bieber pitched in a professional game, making his first rehab start in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday.
As you would expect due to the level of competition, Bieber completely dominated, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Shane Bieber struck out 5 of the 9 Rangers batters he faced today tossing 2.1 scoreless innings of work in his 1st rehab start in the Arizona Complex League. Line – 2.1(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 5SO,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Shane Bieber struckout 5 of the 9 Rangers batters he faced today tossing 2.1 scoreless innings of work in his 1st rehab start in the Arizona Complex League.
Line – 2.1(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 5SO#GuardsBall
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 31, 2025
Saturday’s start wasn’t really about results: it was about taking the mound again in a competitive environment, facing hitters, testing out his stuff and command.
For the first time in about 14 months, Bieber took the mound in an organized, professional game and yielded positive results.
He looked very good, ready for his next challenge.
His next start will likely come against Double-A or Triple-A opposition, depending on multiple factors.
It’s clear he is ready for a new test, though.
From this point forward, Bieber’s goal will be to increase his pitch count to come close to five or six frames when it’s time to return to the bigs.
If he doesn’t experience any setbacks, there is a chance he will return before the end of June.
He will join a team that needs him badly.
NEXT: Guardians Make Another Roster Move After Injury
