Shane Bieber takes big step toward injury return to Blue Jays

Shane Bieber takes big step toward injury return to Blue Jays originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays have dealt with all sorts of injury issues in the early going this season.

Their starting rotation has been the most heavily hit, and they still haven't gotten any MLB innings this season out of Shane Bieber or Jose Berrios.

The good news is that Bieber has taken a big step toward a comeback.

On Monday, he made his first official rehab start, down pitching in the Florida Complex League.

Bieber went 2.0 innings, allowing three hits while striking out three. He didn't walk anyone or give up a run.

The veteran right-hander will likely slowly build up, inning by inning, until an eventual return to the major leagues.

Shane Bieber officially began his rehab assignment in the FCL earlier today. #BlueJays

▪️2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB & 3 K

Bieber will be aiming for three innings next time out if he bounces back well following this outing.— Thomas Hall (@Hall_Thomas_) May 25, 2026

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The Blue Jays entered the season with a lot of pitching depth on paper, but they were down Trey Yesavage due to injury at the start of the year, too. Yesavage has returned, but Cody Ponce got hurt, and Dylan Cease had a recent scare.

Considering Eric Lauer's struggles and departure for the Dodgers, the depth chart for the rotation has looked vastly different than hoped.

A Bieber return, though would finally be some news in the right direction.