Shane Bieber's latest outing should worry the rest of the AL

Toronto can't wait any longer. It is time for Bieber Fever.

Newly-acquired starting pitcher Shane Bieber made his final rehab start in Triple-A Buffalo Friday night, and his outing told the MLB world he's ready to return. Bieber pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only six hits, struck out four, and no walks on 90 pitches, securing the win for the Bisons.

This was Bieber's longest outing for Buffalo in his three rehab starts. Before Friday's start, Bieber combined for a 3.37 ERA in 10.2 innings with 12 strikeouts. Speaking with the media after his scoreless outing, Bieber expressed his content with his start.

“Happy with how everything went today,” Bieber said per Sportsnet's Kristina Rutherford. “Didn’t feel tip-top from a delivery standpoint, but I guess it’s kind of good work to get in, you’re not always going to play your best. I was able to put together seven innings and happy with how it all went. “I felt ready so tonight was a big step forward.” 

MLB's Keegan Matheson anticipates Bieber will make his Blue Jays debut next weekend against the Miami Marlins, who are six games back of a wild card spot in the National League. Whether the Blue Jays will switch to a six-man rotation or send a starting pitcher to the bullpen remains to be seen. Regardless of that outcome, there's no doubt Bieber will be part of Toronto's starting rotation.

The Blue Jays are currently 72-51 and lead the American League, who also hold a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the division lead. Acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline in July, Bieber is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, sustained during the 2024 season.

If his rehab starts are telling signs, it's that the former Cy Young and Triple Crown winner is almost back to form, and that's exactly what the Blue Jays need in the final few weeks of the 2025 MLB season.