Shane Bieber’s rehab from Tommy John surgery in April of last year is going so well the Cleveland Guardians coaches have to pull back on the reins to make sure the 29-year-old right-hander doesn’t press too hard and risk a setback.
Bieber has had four bullpen sessions since the Guardians opened spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., last month. He is throwing five days a week and has increased his throwing distance to 135 feet.
“The ball’s just jumping out of his hand,” pitching coach Carl Willis said March 2 on Zoom. “I think it’s a testament to Shane Bieber and him knowing his delivery. We’re excited about what we’re seeing now, but we’re still trying to, collectively ourselves and Shane, make sure we stay the course and don’t jump the gun. And we’re not going to.
“It’s our job to make sure he continues to trust that process and not try to take two steps forward.”
A pitcher in a five-man rotation normally makes about 31 starts a year if he doesn’t miss any turns because of injury. Bieber made 31 starts only once in the last four years. He was limited to 16 starts in 2021 because of a shoulder strain. He spent time on the injured list in 2023 with right elbow inflammation, when he made 21 starts.
Bieber took his regular turn in 2022, when he finished 13-8 with a 2.88 ERA and pitched exactly 200 innings in 31 starts. He made only two starts at the beginning of the 2024 season before the elbow surgery ended his season.
Bieber obviously won’t make close to 30 starts in 2025. He is working on a one-year, $10 million contract. He has a player option for $16 million in 2026.
Last June, the Guardians signed pitcher Matthew Boyd, who a year earlier underwent Tommy John surgery while he was with the Tigers. Boyd made his Guardians debut in August. If Bieber’s recovery follows the same timeline, he will be back on the mound with the Guardians sometime in June.
Bieber spoke with reporters covering spring training in Goodyear and said he is pleased with the progress he is making.
“It felt great. It felt natural,” he said, referring to his Feb. 28 bullpen session. “It was a long time coming. Maybe a little better than I expected. It felt like riding a bike. Not surprising, but I’m happy to have that result. It was coming out, clean, free and easy.”
Meanwhile, the Guardians have to fill out their rotation until Bieber is ready to join it. Tanner Bibee, Luis Ortiz, Ben Lively and Gavin Williams seem to have four spots locked down.
Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen, Doug Nikhazy and Joey Cantillo are battling for the fifth spot. One or more from the group could end up in the bullpen if they don’t win the starting job.
