Tonight feels like a big one in Major League Baseball. 2020 Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber is finally back on the mound, and fans have waited a long time for this.
Bieber missed more than 500 days after Tommy John surgery. He was even traded mid-recovery, leaving the Cleveland Guardians for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Toronto’s rotation already looked strong, but Bieber’s return could push them to another level. Meanwhile, the Yankees keep stumbling on defense, the Red Sox have found a steady hand in Trevor Story, and the rumor mill’s swirling with talk of Cody Bellinger and other big moves as the postseason chase gets wild.
Shane Bieber’s Comeback Could Define Toronto’s October
The Blue Jays didn’t hide their ambitions when they traded for Bieber. They’re thinking about October baseball and want to go deep.
At 74-54 and leading the AL East, Toronto’s betting that Bieber can make the difference. The right-hander brings playoff experience and a bit of swagger.
Dominant Numbers in the Minors
Bieber’s rehab outings have been a real bright spot. In seven starts, he put up a sharp 1.86 ERA with 37 strikeouts and just three walks in 29 innings.
That kind of command hints that his stuff is back. Toronto now lines up Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and Max Scherzer—honestly, that’s a scary playoff trio.
Yankees Falter as Red Sox Rise
While Toronto’s on the upswing, the Yankees seem stuck in reverse. Their defense fell apart in a recent loss to Boston, with four ugly errors costing them big.
New York ranks 21st in Outs Above Average, and their defense just keeps letting them down. It’s hard to see them making a run if that doesn’t change.
Trevor Story Leading by Example
Boston, on the other hand, has found a leader in Trevor Story. Since June 1, he’s hit .296 with 12 home runs and played tough defense.
He’s also stepped up as a mentor for the younger guys. That’s helped Boston stay in the Wild Card hunt and brought some real energy to the clubhouse.
Ben Rice’s Rookie Impact
Even with the Yankees’ struggles, rookie Ben Rice has been a bright spot. He’s got serious exit velocity and a high expected slugging percentage.
Hitting coach James Rowson says Rice’s preparation and approach are beyond his years. Honestly, Rice looks like a building block for the team’s future.
High-Profile Player Movement Across MLB
Elsewhere, player movement is stealing headlines. This offseason, Cody Bellinger will probably decline his $25 million option and hit free agency again.
Without draft-pick compensation tied to him, Bellinger might become one of the hottest bats on the market. Teams in need of power are watching closely.
Willy Adames Finds a New Home
Former Brewers shortstop Willy Adames is starting over with the San Francisco Giants. He just signed a massive seven-year, $182 million deal.
His .222/.310/.397 slash line isn’t what it was in Milwaukee, but San Francisco’s hoping he bounces back. The glove is still there, and he’s only 28.
Other Notable Moves
The transaction wire’s been buzzing as teams try to gear up for the stretch run:
- Astros signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to steady their bullpen for another playoff push.
- Braves lost slugger Austin Riley to season-ending surgery, which is a tough blow to their lineup.
- Cal Quantrill landed with the Braves off waivers, adding some much-needed pitching depth.
The Road to October Heats Up
Bieber’s return is about to grab headlines. The Blue Jays look like they’re loading up for a serious World Series push.
The Yankees and Red Sox keep battling in the Wild Card race. Front offices across the league are making bold moves, hoping to optimize their rosters for a deep October run.
The regular season’s winding down, and it’s pure chaos—comebacks, collapses, and big-name transactions everywhere. Bieber’s arm in Toronto, possible game-changing free agents like Bellinger… the 2024 stretch drive just feels electric.
Here is the source article for this story: A big return in Toronto, the Yankees get sloppy, and Baseball Card of the Week
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s