The Toronto Blue Jays have placed right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber on the 15-day injured list, dealing a significant setback to the team’s pursuit of a wild-card spot as the season nears its end. Bieber is sidelined due to inflammation in his teres major muscle near his right shoulder, with the move backdated to last Friday following a strong performance against the Tampa Bay Rays.
According to Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Bieber experienced discomfort during a bullpen session in New York and subsequent MRI results revealed a moderate to mild injury in the teres major muscle. The loss of Bieber, the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, who currently holds a 5-2 record with a 4.37 earned-run average this season, adds to the challenges the team has faced with his previous right elbow and forearm issues earlier in the year.
Schneider expressed hope for Bieber’s return this season but refrained from providing a specific timeline. With Toronto trailing two games behind in the American League wild-card race at 64-68, the timing of Bieber’s injury is particularly tough given the team’s remaining schedule and his recent strong performances. The Blue Jays are no strangers to adversity this season and will need to adapt once again in Bieber’s absence.