The Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of adding a former Cy Young winner to a rotation that desperately needs stability — and his latest rehab outing suggests he might not be far off.
Shane Bieber, the 31-year-old right-hander who has spent the entire 2026 season on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, appears close to a return. According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Bieber reached the 80-pitch mark in his most recent Triple-A rehab start — a benchmark the Blue Jays were reportedly targeting before activating him.
Bannon shared the full line: 5 innings pitched, 5 earned runs, 2 strikeouts, 4 walks, and 2 home runs allowed, with 60% of his pitches finding the strike zone. His fastball sat at 91.8 mph and peaked at 93.0 — down from his peak pre-surgery velocity, but not alarming for a pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and spent most of the 2025 season recovering.
The team has not confirmed an exact return date, but Bieber is expected to join the Blue Jays on their current road trip. That puts him in line to potentially face either the Boston Red Sox or the Chicago Cubs in the coming series.
What Bieber’s Return Means for the Rotation
Once activated, Bieber will likely slide into the spot currently held by Max Scherzer, who has struggled mightily this season. Scherzer’s numbers — and his age — have made him a liability, and swapping him for a pitcher with Bieber’s track record could give Toronto a much-needed boost.
In 2025, before his latest elbow issues surfaced, Bieber posted a 3.57 ERA and a 1.017 WHIP with 37 strikeouts over a limited sample. Those are far from his 2020 Cy Young numbers, but they represent a reliable arm in a rotation that has been inconsistent.
Timing Matters for a Blue Jays Team in Pursuit Mode
Toronto enters play 10 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East. Every win counts, and the Blue Jays are hoping Bieber can help close that gap. The organization has been patient with his rehab — cautious not to rush a pitcher who has already undergone major elbow surgery — but the payoff could be significant if he can stay healthy.
Injuries have defined Bieber’s recent career arc. The Tommy John procedure wiped out most of his 2024 and 2025 seasons, and the current elbow inflammation has been a lingering concern. But the fact that he’s now throwing 80 pitches in game action — and joining the team on the road — signals the end of a long recovery road.
Whether Bieber can rediscover his elite form remains an open question. But for a Blue Jays team fighting to stay relevant in a tough division, his return is a welcome sight.
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