Blue Jays’ Shane Bieber receives official injury return date

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber is set to make his 2026 season debut on Monday against the Houston Astros, with Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider officially confirming the right-hander’s return from the injured list ahead of Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

The decision came after Bieber completed a final bullpen session, clearing the last hurdle in his recovery from the elbow issue that has kept him sidelined since spring training. The 31-year-old has not pitched in the majors this season after dealing with right elbow inflammation.

Bieber’s comeback follows a lengthy recovery process that began after he underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2024. The procedure ended his 2024 campaign and kept him out until late in the 2025 season. After being acquired from the Cleveland Guardians at last year’s trade deadline, Bieber joined Toronto in August and immediately became a core part of the team’s pitching staff.

In seven regular-season starts for the Blue Jays in 2025, Bieber finished with a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and held opposing hitters to a .225 batting average across 40.1 innings. He also contributed during the Blue Jays postseason run, making five appearances, including four starts, while compiling a 2-1 record and a 3.86 ERA over 18.2 innings. Toronto advanced to Game 7 of the World Series before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings.

Bieber made five rehab appearances across three minor-league affiliates after beginning his assignment in late May. He recorded a 6.88 ERA and 1.88 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and five walks in 17 innings. His most recent outing featured 80 pitches over five innings, indicating he should be capable of handling a normal workload in his return.

The Blue Jays rotation has been ravaged by injuries throughout the season. Jose Berrios is out for the year following Tommy John surgery, while Cody Ponce suffered a torn ACL. Max Scherzer also recently returned to the injured list because of back spasms.

With Toronto trailing the final American League Wild Card spot by a single game at 37-39 entering Saturday, Bieber’s return could hardly come at a better time. The two-time All-Star and 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner owns a 3.24 career ERA across eight major-league seasons and will look to bolster a rotation currently featuring Dylan Cease, Patrick Corbin, Trey Yesavage, and Kevin Gausman.

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