Despite the solid outing, Bieber did experience some difficulties in the third inning, throwing two wild pitches after surrendering a base hit. The second of these wild pitches allowed the Lansing Lugnuts to score the only run against him. In total, Bieber threw 43 pitches, 30 of which were strikes.
This appearance adds to 6 1/3 innings pitched across two rehab assignments with the Guardians‘ Arizona Complex League team and now High-A Lake County. During this rehab period,Bieber has accumulated 14 strikeouts,allowed just one walk,and surrendered a single earned run,signaling progress in his recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery performed in April 2024.
What was Shane BieberS pitch count and how many pitches did he throw for strikes in his rehab start with the Columbus Clippers?
Table of Contents
- 1. What was Shane BieberS pitch count and how many pitches did he throw for strikes in his rehab start with the Columbus Clippers?
- 2. Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Shane Bieber Returns to Mound in Rehab start
- 3. Bieber’s Road to Recovery: A Timeline
- 4. Performance in Rehab Start: Key Stats & Observations
- 5. Impact on the Guardians’ Playoff Push
- 6. What’s Next for Bieber? Projected Return Timeline
- 7. Bieber’s Career Highlights & Accolades
- 8. Understanding Forearm Strain & Recovery
Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Shane Bieber Returns to Mound in Rehab start
Bieber’s Road to Recovery: A Timeline
Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber took a significant step forward in his recovery from right forearm strain, making a rehab start with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on July 22nd, 2025. This marks a crucial milestone for the team and fans eager to see their star pitcher back on the major league mound. Bieber’s injury,sustained in May,sidelined him and created a noticeable void in the Guardians’ starting rotation.
here’s a breakdown of the key dates in Bieber’s recovery:
May 18th, 2025: Bieber exits start against the Chicago White Sox with right forearm discomfort.
May 20th, 2025: MRI reveals a right forearm strain, sidelining him indefinitely.
June 10th, 2025: Begins throwing program.
July 15th, 2025: Begins a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment with the Arizona Complex League Guardians.
July 22nd, 2025: Makes his first start with the Columbus Clippers.
Performance in Rehab Start: Key Stats & Observations
Bieber pitched 3.2 innings for the Clippers, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, walking none, and striking out 5. He threw 53 pitches, 33 for strikes. While not a dominant performance, it was a positive sign, demonstrating he was able to pitch with intensity and without experiencing further discomfort. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt noted post-game that Bieber’s velocity was sitting in the low-90s, a promising indicator as he builds back strength.
key takeaways from the outing:
Pitch Count: Managed a respectable pitch count, suggesting good stamina.
Command: Excellent control, with no walks issued.
Strikeout Rate: five strikeouts in 3.2 innings indicate his stuff is still effective.
Velocity: Low 90s fastball, expected to increase with further outings.
Impact on the Guardians’ Playoff Push
The return of Shane Bieber is pivotal for the Cleveland Guardians’ chances of contending in the American League Central. Before his injury, Bieber was a cornerstone of the rotation, boasting a 2.94 ERA in 10 starts. His absence forced younger pitchers into larger roles, and while they’ve shown flashes of potential, they haven’t consistently delivered the same level of performance.
The Guardians currently hold a narrow lead in the AL Central. Bieber’s presence significantly strengthens their starting pitching depth and provides a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging schedule. Analysts predict his return could add 1-2 wins to their projected season total, potentially being the difference between making and missing the MLB playoffs.
What’s Next for Bieber? Projected Return Timeline
The Guardians are taking a cautious approach with Bieber’s return. He is expected to make at least one more rehab start with Columbus, potentially on July 27th, 2025, before being activated from the injured list. The team will closely monitor his recovery and ensure he’s fully prepared to handle the demands of a major league start.
Here’s a possible timeline:
- Second Rehab Start (July 27th): Focus on increasing pitch count and refining command.
- Activation from IL (Early August): Targeted return date, contingent on positive progress.
- Initial Starts: Pitching on extended rest, with a gradual increase in workload.
Bieber’s Career Highlights & Accolades
Shane Bieber has quickly established himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. Some of his career highlights include:
2020 AL Cy Young Award: A dominant season where he led the league in ERA and strikeouts.
3x All-Star selection: Recognized as one of the best pitchers in the American League.
Consistent Strikeout Numbers: Averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings throughout his career.
Ground ball Specialist: Effectively induces ground balls, limiting hard contact.
Understanding Forearm Strain & Recovery
A right forearm strain, like the one Bieber experienced, is a common injury among pitchers. It often results from repetitive throwing motions and can cause pain and inflammation in the forearm muscles. Tommy John surgery is not typically required for forearm strains, but proper rehabilitation is crucial to prevent re-injury.
Rehab protocols typically involve:
Rest and Ice: Initial phase to reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises to rebuild forearm muscles.
Gradual Throwing program: Slowly increasing throwing distance and intensity.
* Monitoring for pain: Carefully tracking any discomfort during
