Cleveland's ace pitcher, Shane Bieber, will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to Tommy John elbow surgery. The 2020 Cy Young winner had been showcasing his dominant form in recent starts, including striking out a league-leading 20 batters and pitching 12 scoreless innings against Oakland and Seattle despite battling worsening elbow pain.
Bieber's resilience and determination were highlighted by Guardians' president of baseball operations, Chris Antonetti, who commended the pitcher's toughness in managing the pain and delivering strong performances.
The 28-year-old Bieber, who had been limited to 21 starts last season due to elbow troubles, experienced discomfort following his opening-day start against the A's. Despite concerns from the team, Bieber opted to pitch against the Mariners, enduring through six innings as the pain intensified.
After further evaluation, renowned orthopedists recommended elbow reconstruction surgery for Bieber, who made the difficult decision to undergo the procedure, acknowledging a recovery period of up to 16 months.
The Guardians, who had been optimistic about Bieber's recovery progress, are now faced with the reality of his absence. With Bieber's contract set to expire after this season, the team will need to adjust to his loss and rely on other pitchers to step up.
Manager Stephen Vogt expressed empathy for Bieber and emphasized the team's need to support one another during this challenging time. Despite the setback, the Guardians, off to a 6-2 start under Vogt's leadership, remain focused on contending in the AL Central.
Bieber's injury adds to Cleveland's pitching woes, with other pitchers also dealing with health issues. The team will look to maintain a competitive edge and rally together in Bieber's absence.
As the Guardians navigate this setback, Vogt stressed the importance of acknowledging the emotional impact of Bieber's injury while maintaining a resilient mindset moving forward. The team aims to honor Bieber's contributions by continuing to compete at a high level throughout the season.
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