Blue Jays Adopt Patient Strategy for Shane Bieber's Forearm Recovery
Toronto Blue Jays fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the team outlines a deliberate plan to ensure star pitcher Shane Bieber returns to full health for the demanding MLB season. Bieber, acquired from the Cleveland Guardians last year, is currently managing forearm fatigue that will likely delay his availability for Opening Day.
Bieber Emphasizes Long-Term Health Over Rushed Return
Speaking from the Blue Jays' Player Development Centre in Dunedin, Florida, on Wednesday, Bieber addressed his condition with a focus on gradual progress. "You want to know, and you want to have a date in mind, but they do a good job of trying to keep me week to week," Bieber told The Canadian Press. "Ultimately, I'm just going to bed every night feeling happy that I feel good within my progression. We're going to take it slow and be smart."
Bieber, the 2020 Cy Young Award winner, highlighted the team's collective hunger for success, referencing last season's experiences. "It's not about how you start, it's about how you finish, and we definitely know that, judging from last year. I know this group's hungry. I'm extremely hungry, and I can't wait to get back there."
Team Management Backs Cautious Spring Training Approach
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed on Tuesday that Bieber will undergo a slow buildup during spring training, with an expected return to the rotation early in the regular season. This cautious strategy is supported by reports from The Athletic's Mitch Bannon, indicating Bieber is currently engaged in long-toss progression, placing him behind other pitchers in preparation.
The decision to proceed carefully comes amid broader pitching challenges for the Blue Jays. Fellow starter Bowden Francis requires Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season, underscoring the importance of preserving Bieber's arm strength. Despite this, the team's starting depth remains robust, featuring new front-line starter Dylan Cease, reliable veteran Kevin Gausman, and additions like Cody Ponce and Eric Lauer.
Bieber's Recent Performance and Contract Decisions
Since joining the Blue Jays last season post-Tommy John surgery, Bieber has demonstrated solid performance, recording a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA over 40.1 innings in seven starts. He contributed an additional 18.2 innings during the team's World Series run. In a move that surprised some analysts, Bieber exercised his $16-million player option in November rather than entering free agency, a decision speculated to be influenced by ongoing health considerations and a desire to rebuild arm strength before testing the market again.
Rotation Dynamics and Berrios's Potential Role
With Bieber's delayed start, attention turns to other rotation members, including Jose Berrios, who faced a challenging 2025 season with a 9-5 record and 4.17 ERA, and was omitted from the playoff roster. Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins expressed confidence in the team's pitching depth, stating, "Very confident that we're going to see Shane contributing in a significant portion of our season and feel like our starting point is still in a very solid position."
Both Atkins and Schneider have reiterated their belief that with careful management, Bieber can maintain health and make a substantial impact throughout the season. This patient approach reflects a strategic emphasis on long-term performance over immediate gains, aiming to optimize Bieber's contributions as the Blue Jays pursue their championship aspirations.
