Shane Bieber keeps Guardians return in perspective: ‘A step in the right direction’
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shane Bieber recognized the gravity of the situation Friday after the Guardians stormed back for a 9-8 win against Baltimore at Progressive Field.
For the second time in three seasons the right-hander was making a late September return to the mound after missing significant time with an injury. Completing an arduous rehab program and exercising extreme patience over the previous 71 days got the former Cy Young Award winner to the point where he could go back out on the diamond and do the thing he loves most — compete.
That’s the part Bieber can say out loud. But the quiet reasons why Friday’s start was significant were right there under the surface, as well. Terry Francona, the only manager Bieber has ever known in his six seasons with Cleveland, is stepping down at season’s end, and Bieber’s start was one of Francona’s final five in front of a home crowd.
Bieber’s future, for what it’s worth, is up in the air as well. Set to become a free agent at the end of 2024, the 28-year-old California native is entering an offseason where most Cleveland star pitchers in his position get traded. His name will surely be attached to trade rumors in the offseason, and Friday’s start could very well have been Bieber’s last in a Guardians uniform at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
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Bieber did not factor into Friday’s decision, but his team won a marathon nine-inning affair with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth. The moment was not lost when Bieber spoke to reporters following the game.
“Tonight was a special night for a lot of different reasons,” he said. “For the game to go the way it did, it’s never going to be easy against a lineup like that. We fought as a team and it doesn’t matter where we’re at, we’re playing with a lot of energy. That says a lot about the clubhouse that we have in there and the guys that we do. So it was a lot of fun.”
With a limit of 80 pitches, Bieber worked hard to complete five innings. He left with a one-run lead after a scoreless fifth, having allowed five runs (four earned) on a walk and six hits while striking out five. Bieber said he did not feel the way he normally feels at this point in a season, but all things considered he tried to keep things in perspective.
“I want to be a lot better than I was tonight, but my arm felt great,” Bieber said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, a lot left to be desired, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to do all that. So it was another step in the right direction and we go forward.”
Putting a zero on the scoreboard in the fifth was important to Bieber, knowing Francona had backup ready in the bullpen should he falter.
“They sent me back out there once we regained the lead, and that allowed me to find that aggression to inevitably just compete,” Bieber said. “That inning meant a lot to me.”
Coming through the start healthy was paramount for Bieber, and Francona said it appeared that was the case. Having the opportunity to go into the offseason without concern and the ability to attack his normal workout program will set Bieber up for success next season, no matter where he pitches.
“In one sense, that’s what I’m focused on,” Bieber said. “But in another sense, when I go out there, I’m not focused on anything much other than trying to win. So it was a great game. Great team game tonight and a big victory.”
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