Bieber Continues to Shine with Herd

By: Brian Frank

Shane Bieber breezed through his third rehab start with the Bisons on Friday night He fired seven shutout innings, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out four in the Herd’s 2-0 victory over Lehigh Valley. The impressive performance came despite the former Cy Young winner not feeling comfortable on the mound in the early going.

“I was happy with how everything went today,” Bieber said. “I didn’t feel tip-top from a delivery standpoint. But I guess it’s good work to get in—you’re not always going to feel your best. I was able to put together seven innings and I’m happy with how it all went.”

“My delivery was a little bit out of whack,” he explained. “It got better towards the second half of my start. I’m just happy with the adjustments made. I feel like I try to pride myself on being able to make in-game adjustments, and stuff started to straighten out for me in regard to where I wanted to locate and just how my pitches were acting. That’s a great step forward as well—making in-game adjustments. Maybe I felt better physically and delivery wise in previous outings, but like I said earlier, you’re not always going to feel your best. It’s about going out there and competing and I was able to do that tonight.”

Bieber has a 2.04 ERA with the Herd. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

Bieber, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in April 2024, fired 90 pitches, 64 of which were strikes. It was the most pitches he’s thrown in a game since July 9, 2023, against the Kansas City Royals and his longest outing since tossing 7 1/3 innings on June 17, 2023, at Arizona. He said he still felt strong after striking out the final batter he faced against Lehigh Valley to end the seventh inning and could have continued.

“But it’s a steady progression and I’ll look to extend that next time,” he said.

One of Buffalo’s two runs came on a solo home run by rehabbing Blue Jays outfielder George Springer. Springer, batting second as the Bisons designated hitter, drove a 1-and-0 sinker from Adonis Medina 352 feet into the Bully Hill Party Deck in right field to give the Bisons a 2-0 advantage in the third inning. He finished his two-game rehab stint in Buffalo 2-for-5 with a home run, walk, three runs scored, and two RBIs.

“He’s fantastic,” Bieber said of Springer. “Obviously an incredible player. He’s been a great teammate to me early on too. Excited to drive back to the homeland tonight. We’ll do that together and be back in the (Blue Jays') dugout tomorrow.”

Four-time All-Star George Springer. Photo credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

In Bieber's three rehab starts with the Bisons, he allowed four earned runs in 17 2/3 innings pitched, good for a 2.04 ERA, while striking out 16 batters and only allowing two walks. It's possible he could get another rehab start, but his next outing mcould also be back in the big leagues.

“I told them I keep bouncing back well and I felt ready," he said. "So, I'm happy for whatever they throw at me.”

Whenever it happens, the 2020 Cy Young Award winner and two-time A.L. All-Star is looking forward to finally putting on a Blue Jays' uniform and pitching at Rogers Centre.

“It’s exciting,” Bieber said. "The atmosphere at the ballpark the last few days–really all year from what I’m hearing—but I can only speak from my experience. The last few days it’s been incredible. In years past, I’ve always enjoyed pitching at Rogers Centre. Even when you’re the away team you tend to get a little bit more amped. It’s a great atmosphere and I’m excited to experience that myself in a Blue Jays' uniform.”