Shane Bieber’s Encouraging Progress for Guardians’ Mound Return

Shane Bieber’s recovery has become a key storyline for the Cleveland Guardians as they try to steady themselves in a rocky season. After Tommy John surgery in 2024, Bieber’s been making slow but steady progress, recently tossing two innings of live batting practice at Progressive Field.

The Guardians could really use some stability, both on the mound and at the plate, and Bieber’s return might be just what they need. Here’s a closer look at where Bieber’s at in his rehab, what his comeback could mean, and how the team’s holding up as they grind through the second half of the year.

Shane Bieber’s Rehabilitation: Promising Signs Amid Uncertainty

Manager Stephen Vogt praised Bieber after watching his live BP session, saying the pitcher looked sharp and healthy. It felt like a real step forward for Bieber, especially after some early setbacks.

Sidelined Since May: A Rollercoaster Rehab

Bieber’s road back hasn’t exactly been smooth. He was supposed to return in May, but soreness in his elbow forced the Guardians to stop his first rehab assignment.

Since then, he’s picked up the pace and seems to be trending in the right direction. There’s a bit of hope he’ll be back sooner than later, though it’s still a wait-and-see situation.

The Guardians aren’t taking any chances. Bieber needs at least one more live BP session before he can start another rehab stint.

They’re not expecting him in the rotation until late August or maybe even September. It’s a long road, but they’d rather be careful than risk another setback.

Guardians Rotation: Navigating Bieber’s Absence and Luis Ortiz’s Uncertainty

Bieber’s possible return lines up with some big question marks around Luis Ortiz, who’s under MLB investigation for gambling violations. If Ortiz ends up suspended, Bieber could slide right into that open spot.

A One-Year Deal for Stability

In the offseason, Bieber signed a one-year, $10 million deal with a player option for $16 million. It’s a short-term fix that gives the Guardians some pitching stability, but the future’s still a bit murky with Ortiz’s situation and Bieber’s health.

So far, the staff’s held things together without Bieber. But with Ortiz’s fate uncertain and Bieber’s return still up in the air, it feels like the team’s walking a tightrope right now.

The Guardians’ Offensive Woes: Searching for Solutions

The Guardians have managed to scrape by on the mound, but their offense has been rough all year. They’re near the bottom of MLB in runs scored, and injuries have only made things worse.

Injury-Plagued Offense

Utility guy Juan Brito, who some hoped could spark the lineup, just went down with a hamstring injury. Shortstop Gabriel Arias is still out with a sprained ankle, so the team’s scrambling for ways to score runs.

On the plus side, top prospect Travis Bazzana started a rehab assignment after coming back from an oblique injury. Maybe he can give the offense a little jolt as Cleveland hits a critical stretch.

What’s Next for the Guardians?

The Guardians are at a bit of a crossroads heading into the late-season push. Health and stability are everything right now, with Bieber’s rehab and Ortiz’s situation hanging over the team.

For fans, seeing Bieber throw live BP is a shot of hope. If he keeps progressing, maybe he’ll be back just in time to help the team during a crucial part of the season.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what the Guardians are juggling as they look ahead:

• Shane Bieber’s recovery: He’s making good progress and could be back in late August or maybe early September.
• Luis Ortiz’s investigation: If Ortiz gets sidelined, the rotation could really feel it.
• Offensive struggles: Injuries are piling up, and that’s made it tough to score runs.
• Travis Bazzana’s rehab: He might give the lineup a much-needed boost if he returns soon.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Shane Bieber takes ‘encouraging’ step on potential return to the mound: Guardians takeaways