Here is how Shane Bieber fared in first rehab start since trade to Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t get the win against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, but they did get some good news out of the minor leagues.
Shane Bieber, who was the Blue Jays’ premier trade deadline acquisition this season, made his first start in the Toronto organization with the Triple-A Buffalo Bison. The 30-year-old has a history of being a quality starting pitcher in the MLB, but has yet to play a major-league game this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season.
His road back to getting back on an MLB mound took another step on Sunday, as Bieber made his fifth rehab start, pitching 5 innings, giving up five hits, two earned runs, and one walk.
He struck out six batters as well, with the Bisons losing 4-3 to Syracuse.
Bieber's Day in Buffalo.
5ip, 5h, 2r/er, 1bb, 6k.
47 of 62 pitches for strikes| @BlueJays @MiLB pic.twitter.com/cxRmNcyo16
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) August 3, 2025
Despite the team ultimately losing the game, it was still an encouraging sign for Bieber, who is expected to join the Jays for the stretch once his rehab is complete. There is no word on when that will be, but it’s expected that the 2020 AL Cy Young winner will get at least another game or two in Triple-A.
Here is how he has fared in his previous four rehab starts when he was still with the Cleveland Guardians.
- May 31 (Complex League): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 5 SO
- July 15 (Complex League): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 5 SO
- July 22 (High-A): 3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 SO
- July 29 (Double-A): 4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 SO
When he gets the call, he will join Toronto’s starting rotation. The last time Bieber started an MLB game was back in March of 2024, where he through six scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners en route to a 5-2 Guardians victory.
A decision will have to be made by the Blue Jays on where to slot Bieber in the rotation. As it stands, Toronto currently has a five-man starting rotation, and could go with six if they don’t want to demote either Brad Lauer or Max Scherzer.
The Blue Jays may not be playing their best baseball of late, but if Bieber can come in a regain the form he had before his injury, he could help revitalize this team as they push for the AL East title.