Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has been sidelined on the 15-day injured list, delivering a setback to the team as they strive for a wild-card position in the season’s final stretch. Bieber, an experienced player, is grappling with inflammation in his teres major muscle beneath his right shoulder, as confirmed by the team. The move to the injured list was backdated to last Friday, following Bieber’s impressive seven-inning performance in a 5-1 triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider disclosed that Bieber experienced discomfort during a bullpen session on Sunday in New York, prompting an MRI examination that revealed a moderate to mild teres major injury. Schneider expressed disappointment for both Bieber and the team over the situation. The talented pitcher, who clinched the American League Cy Young Award in 2020, holds a 5-2 record this season with a 4.37 earned-run average. He faced a previous injury setback earlier in the season due to elbow inflammation and forearm fatigue.
Schneider conveyed optimism about Bieber’s potential return this season but refrained from specifying a timeline. The Blue Jays, with a current record of 64-68, stand two games away from securing an American League wild-card spot. The timing of Bieber’s injury was acknowledged as challenging by Schneider, given the number of remaining games and Bieber’s strong performance. Despite this setback, the team remains resolute in facing the challenges ahead.