Cleveland Guardians’ right-hander, Shane Bieber, will be sidelined from throwing for a couple of weeks due to an inflamed right elbow. However, the good news is that it seems surgery will not be necessary. Manager Terry Francona expressed relief, stating, “It definitely looks like it’s a non-surgical way to go, which is really good.” Francona also acknowledged the anxiety that comes with any arm-related injury, especially considering how much Bieber has thrown throughout his career.
Temporary Hiatus and Ongoing Evaluation
Bieber’s recovery plan involves two weeks of rest from throwing, with weekly check-ups to monitor his progress. As of now, there is no specific timeline beyond the initial two-week break. The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Wednesday, and was examined by Dr. Keith Meister, a Texas Rangers physician, on Sunday. While the team traveled to Pittsburgh, Bieber flew back to Cleveland on a commercial flight.
Addressing the Issue
Prior to the game, Bieber shared his perspective on the situation, explaining, “I’ve been trying to manage it, pitch through it, and develop a plan. Ultimately it wasn’t really going away, so I decided it was best to get it checked out, and all agreed.” The discomfort in his forearm had been bothering him for a few weeks and became increasingly difficult to handle during his most recent start on July 9 against Kansas City. In that game, Bieber pitched 6⅓ innings and allowed four runs on nine hits, resulting in a 4-1 loss.
Bieber emphasized that he had not encountered a similar issue in his arm since his college days at UC Santa Barbara between 2014 and 2016. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of pitching, stating, “As a pitcher, things come up all the time. You don’t know exactly what you can go through and what you can’t. Option one is always to work through something. Probably the smartest thing for myself and everybody is just to get it checked out.”
Bieber’s Impressive Career
Shane Bieber, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as a prominent figure in the Cleveland Guardians’ rotation. With a record of 5-6 and a 3.77 ERA this season, his recent performance has declined slightly, especially in his last five outings where he went 0-3 with a 5.22 ERA. However, it is essential to note that Bieber’s elbow issue likely played a role in these statistics.
Looking ahead, the 28-year-old right-hander has a bright future. Currently earning a salary of $10.01 million, Bieber is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. Although his current setback is a cause for concern, the fact that surgery is not required provides hope for a swift recovery and a return to top form. The Guardians will eagerly await Bieber’s return to the mound, where he has consistently showcased his exceptional skills.
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