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Bieber set for Blue Jays debut on Friday

The former Cy Young award winner will get his first start in a Blue Jays uniform against the Miami Marlins.
ByMatthew Sookram|
Aug 12, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber (57) throws balls during batting practice before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Aug 12, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber (57) throws balls during batting practice before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

It's go time for Bieber and the Blue Jays! The Toronto Blue Jays prized deadline acquisition will make his debut on Friday against the Miami Marlins.

Bieber has spent all season recovering from Tommy John surgery and made three starts with Blue Jays minor league affiliate Buffalo Bisons, before Monday's announcement by the big league club. Bieber underwent the procedure in April of 2024 while still a member of the Cleveland Guardians, and Friday will be his first time on a big league mound since April 2, 2024. On that day, Bieber went six innings and allowed no runs on six hits with nine strikeouts in a 5-2 win for the Guardians over the Mariners.

When Bieber goes to the mound in the bottom of the first, it will be a big moment for both the Blue Jays and for Bieber personally. For Bieber he'll be looking to prove that he can still pitch at this level especially since he's got a big decision looming this offseason. He has a player option for 2026 - but could opt out and test the market. All signs indicate that's exactly what he'll do, as long as he has a strong finish to the 2025 season.

It will also be a big moment for the Blue Jays as well, who traded for Bieber for one reason and one reason only, to win the World Series. It's something General Manager Ross Atkins has said on the record and it sets the highest of high standards for a guy that hasn't pitched against Major League hitters in over 16 months.

Bieber owns a 3.22 career ERA with 958 strikeouts in 843 career innings pitched. He won the 2020 AL Cy Young Award, when he led the league with a 3.2 bWAR, a 1.63 ERA, 122 strikeouts, a 273 ERA+ and 14.2 K/9 rate in 12 games in the COVID shortened season. As of Monday night, a corresponding move to make room for Bieber on the Blue Jays 40-man roster had yet to be announced. There is speculation the Blue Jays could incorporate a six-man rotation instead of sending one of Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José Berrios, Eric Lauer or Max Scherzer to the bullpen.