Shane Bieber pitched in his first big-league recreation since April 2, 2024 on Friday night time, taking over the Miami Marlins in what doubled as his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran-right-hander rose to event — after which some — as he did the heavy lifting in a 5-2 Toronto win:
In line with the CBS Sports activities analysis desk, Bieber is the primary pitcher in Blue Jays franchise historical past to strike out 9 or extra batters whereas allowing two hits or fewer and strolling nobody in his debut for the crew. Bieber bought by these six innings in 87 pitches (55 strikes), and he registered 5 ground-outs in opposition to two fly-outs. He confirmed improved fastball velocity relative to his norms over the previous three seasons. Bieber known as upon his full five-pitch repertoire in taming the Marlins, and he earned 14 swings and misses on the night time — together with his first strikeout on his knuckle-curve:
This is extra of Bieber’s comeback outing:
For Bieber, the lone blemish got here within the second inning on a Javier Sanoja solo house run. Within the fourth, Bieber struck out the facet, and he did not allow his second hit of the night time till the sixth inning.
Bieber had been sidelined for the previous year-plus after present process Tommy John surgical procedure. He made seven rehab begins on the minor-league degree previous to becoming a member of Toronto’s rotation, tallying a 1.86 ERA and a 12.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 innings pitched.
“I feel I’ve recognized I am prepared for a short while now,” Bieber just lately informed reporters. “It was nearly increase quantity.”
Bieber, 30, had beforehand spent his total enjoying profession with the Cleveland Guardians. He was traded on the deadline, nevertheless, with Toronto parting with pitching prospect Khal Stephen. In seven seasons with Cleveland, Bieber accrued a 3.22 ERA (133 ERA+) and a 5.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio, in addition to 17.8 Wins Above Substitute.
Bieber received the 2020 American League Cy Younger Award and earned consideration on three different events. He additionally made two All-Star groups and received a Gold Glove Award in 2022.
The win pushed the Blue Jays’ file to 75-54, which is nice for a five-game lead within the AL East. If Toronto holds on, it will signify the franchise’s first division title since 2015.
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