Bieber and Kirk Rehab with Herd

By: Brian Frank

Two prominent major-league rehabbers took the field for the Bisons at Sahlen Field on Thursday evening. Shane Bieber was on the mound for the Herd, continuing his rehabilitation from right arm fatigue, while Alejandro Kirk was the designated hitter in the Bisons' 3–1 victory over the Syracuse Mets.

Bieber was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Cleveland Guardians at last summer's trade deadline while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner made three rehab starts for Buffalo last summer before going on to make seven regular-season starts down the stretch for Toronto. He also pitched in four postseason games for the American League champions, posting a 2.84 ERA in 6 1/3 innings in the World Series.

Bieber worked five innings Thursday night. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

The 31-year-old hurler looked to be in complete control throughout the evening against Syracuse. He fired five innings, allowing no runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four.

"I was really happy with it," Bieber said following his start. "I thought I executed really well today. I thought it was another big step in the right direction. I had a lot of fun out there. Willie (MacIver) called a great game, and we were on the same page. I thought I got ahead of a lot of guys and induced weak contact, and limited hits, and so, altogether really happy with it."

Bieber threw 62 pitches, 46 for strikes, and two of his four strikeouts came in his final inning of work.

"I think we were going five (innings) or 75 (pitches)," he said. He then added with a chuckle, "I was a little more efficient than I would have liked to be, but I guess that's a good problem to have."

"The velo ticked up a little bit in the last inning. I think that's what happens with runners on. I kind of knew it was maybe the end of the line there, so I just tried to execute really for all five innings – and I'm happy with it."

The two-time All-Star was making his fourth rehab start this season, having appeared once each in the Florida Complex League and at Low-A Dunedin before pitching for the Bisons last week in Worcester. Thursday night's start was by far his best, and perhaps his last.

"I've just got to put one foot in front of the other," he said. "I'm recovering great. I'm really happy with how everything feels. Definitely happy with how it felt out there today and how the ball was coming out of my hand."

Willie MacIver and Shane Bieber. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

Bieber also had high praise for Bisons catcher Willie MacIver.

"I really enjoyed working with Willie today," Bieber said. "He's vocal, he's confident in himself, confident in his pitchers, in his pitch calls, and that goes a long way. I really enjoyed working with him today. I couldn't really be more complimentary if I tried. I think very highly of him."

Kirk, who also served as the designated hitter on Tuesday and caught for Buffalo on Wednesday, went 1-for-3 with a double into left field on Thursday night.

"Finally, I got good contact," he smiled. "I felt really good tonight."

The Tijuana, Mexico, native said he felt good after catching the previous night and also broke some news, saying he'd be behind the plate Friday for the Blue Jays' series opener against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

"I don't know if I'm allowed to say this," he said with a smile, "but I think I'm going to catch tomorrow (in Toronto)."

Kirk behind the plate on Wednesday night. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

Kirk's return, with Bieber likely soon to follow, will help bolster a Blue Jays roster that has struggled to find its footing amid a rash of early-season injuries.

"We're grinding each and every day," Bieber said. "Every win matters from game one. We're in it right now. Thankfully the guys had an off day today in the midst of a very long stretch against some good pitching. I think with the Yankees coming up the guys are locked in and focused, and that's all I can do myself in my situation. Try to put one foot in front of the other, just making strides like I did today to get up there and join them."