Shane Bieber passes first rehab test in Buffalo - could join the Blue Jays soon

The Toronto Blue Jays' biggest deadline addition may be a step closer to making his debut in Toronto.

Shane Bieber struck out six over five innings, allowing five hits, a walk, and two runs in a rehab start Sunday with the Buffalo Bisons. Bieber, acquired Thursday in a deal with the Cleveland Guardians, is working his way back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The 2020 Cy Young Award winner was making his fifth rehab start and his first appearance with Toronto's Triple-A affiliate.

Shane Bieber passes first rehab test in Buffalo

Bieber got off to hot start on Sunday in Buffalo, striking out the first two batters of the game with just six pitches. He threw 47 of his 62 pitches for strikes, with his four-seam fastball averaging 93.1 mph and topping out at 94.4 mph. Four of the five hits Bieber allowed were singles, and the only real mistake he made was a 94.4 mph fastball Luke Ritter of the Syracuse Mets hit for a solo home run in the third inning.

The velocity of Bieber's fastball is a good sign. Prior to getting hurt, Bieber's fastball routinely sat around 94 mph. Also a good sign was how well his curveball and slider were working on Sunday.

Bieber faced a total of 19 batters, inducing five groundouts and two double plays. According to Statcast, Bieber allowed only four hard-hit balls all day. He also helped his cause by picking off Syracuse's Omar De Los Santos at first base in the third inning.

The Bisons rallied for two runs in the ninth inning, but the Mets held on to win 4-3. But the talk of the game was Bieber, who told Rogers Sportsnet he felt really good after the game. Bieber hasn't pitched in the majors since April 2, 2024.

Bieber began his rehab in June as a member of the Guardians. He made his previous start with the Double-A Akron RubberDucks on July 29, throwing 59 pitches over four innings. Bieber is expected to make a couple more starts with Buffalo before joining the Blue Jays.

With a healthy and effective starting rotation in place for now, there is no rush to get Bieber to Toronto. That gives the organization time to make sure the righty ace is healthy. But there is little doubt adding a pitcher like Bieber would be a huge lift for the Blue Jays. It's risky trading for a pitcher coming back from Tommy John, but the upside is undeniably high if Bieber is healthy.