Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has been sidelined on the 15-day injured list, adding to the challenges faced by the team as they strive for a wild-card spot with one month left in the season. The experienced pitcher is currently nursing inflammation in his teres major muscle near his right shoulder, with the placement on the IL being retroactive to the day following his commendable performance against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider disclosed that Bieber experienced discomfort during a bullpen session in New York, leading to an MRI revealing a moderate to mild teres major injury. Bieber, a former American League Cy Young Award winner in 2020, has a 5-2 record this season accompanied by a 4.37 earned-run average. He had previously faced challenges at the start of the season due to right elbow inflammation and forearm fatigue.
Schneider expressed hope for Bieber’s return within the season but refrained from providing a specific timeline. With Toronto sitting two games behind an American League wild-card position, the timing of Bieber’s injury presents a significant setback for the team as they navigate the final stretch of games. Schneider acknowledged the adversity but emphasized the team’s resilience in handling such setbacks throughout the year.