Shane Bieber, the ace pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, has been facing challenges this season due to arm difficulties, which have hindered his usual dominant ways.
With a record of 5-6 and a 3.77 earned run average along with 95 strikeouts in 117 innings, it is evident that Bieber has not been at his best on the mound.
The primary concern revolves around Bieber’s troublesome right elbow, which has prompted the team to sideline him for at least two weeks.
This decision comes after an examination by renowned Texas Rangers orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister. The initial worry was that Bieber might require season-ending surgery, but fortunately, the recommendation was for a non-surgical approach with a period of rest and recovery.
Shane Bieber got “really encouraging” news today after meeting with Dr. Meister. He’ll go two weeks without throwing and will continue to be evaluated week by week, but they determined he does not need surgery.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) July 16, 2023
“It definitely looks like it’s a non-surgical way to go, which is really good,” stated Guardians Manager Terry Francona, acknowledging the apprehension that comes with any arm-related injuries, especially for a pitcher as talented and important to the team as Bieber.
Francona further elaborated, “He’s going to be approximately two weeks no throw. He’ll be rechecked every week. There’s no timetable beyond that.”
Upon being diagnosed, Bieber was placed on the Injured List, with the designation retroactive to Wednesday. While his teammates set out for a 3-game series in Pittsburgh starting Monday, Bieber made his way back to Cleveland to focus on his recovery.
Bieber’s reputation as an outstanding pitcher was cemented in 2020 when he was honored with the American League Cy Young Award.
Naturally, he expressed frustration at the lack of healing progress in his elbow. Despite trying to manage the discomfort and pitch through it, Bieber ultimately decided it was crucial to have it thoroughly examined.
“I’ve been trying to manage it, pitch through it, and develop a plan,” said Bieber prior to Cleveland’s 6-5 loss to the Texas Rangers. “Ultimately it wasn’t really going away, so I decided it was best to get it checked out and all agreed.”
As the Guardians and Bieber tread carefully in his recovery process, the team remains hopeful that their star pitcher will be able to return to full form and continue his impressive career on the mound.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining his progress, and fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Bieber’s condition as he works toward a successful comeback.
Are you concerned for Bieber long-term?
Will he ever regain his Cy Young form on a consistent basis?