Cleveland Guardians’ star pitcher, Shane Bieber, is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery, delivering a significant blow to both the team and the 2020 Cy Young winner.
Bieber, who had to sit out for a few months last season due to elbow problems, felt pain after his opening-day start in Oakland and again this week against Seattle. After undergoing imaging tests, several doctors recommended reconstructive surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament.
It may take up to 16 months to fully recover after the surgery.
“He is absolutely devastated,” expressed Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, during a Zoom call. “Shane feels like he has disappointed so many people. However, I made sure to reassure him that this couldn’t be further from the truth. He exemplifies the true essence of professionalism, being an exceptional teammate, and a remarkable leader.”
Despite feeling pain in his elbow, Bieber managed to pitch 12 scoreless innings with 20 strikeouts in his first two starts. Both he and the team were optimistic that the discomfort would subside, but unfortunately, it only intensified.
According to Antonetti, the player worked diligently during the winter and spring training, giving hope to the team that he would remain healthy and make a significant impact throughout the season. However, once he returned to playing games and encountered the pressures of the major league environment, it became overwhelming for him.
According to Antonetti, Bieber came back to Cleveland for a check-up and ultimately opted to undergo surgery on Friday.
Bieber’s final year under contract with the Guardians has begun, and the team is off to a strong 6-2 start under the leadership of first-year manager Stephen Vogt as they head into Saturday’s game in Minnesota.
Dr. Keith Meister will be conducting Bieber’s surgery in Dallas in the near future, according to Antonetti.
Justin Bieber, who is 28 years old, has an impressive track record in his career as a pitcher for Cleveland. With 134 starts under his belt, he has a remarkable record of 62 wins and 32 losses, accompanied by an impressive ERA of 3.22. In the shortened 2020 season, Bieber showcased his dominance by leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
Cleveland’s pitching staff has been dealing with a series of injuries, and Justin Bieber is the latest to join the list. The team has already seen reliever Trevor Stephan undergo Tommy John surgery, while Gavin Williams has been sidelined due to elbow soreness since spring training. However, Williams is expected to make a full recovery.
With Bieber no longer anchoring the staff, the Guardians are counting on other players to step up and contribute in order to contend in the AL Central.
Cleveland Indians president, Chris Antonetti, acknowledged the immense challenge of replacing someone as talented and influential as Shane Bieber. Antonetti emphasized that Bieber’s contributions as a pitcher, teammate, and leader are irreplaceable. Not only has Bieber been an exceptional individual performer, but he has also played a significant role in the development of other players on the team. Antonetti recognized the impact Bieber has had and stated that it would be unfair to downplay the loss his absence will bring.
Despite the challenges we have faced in the past, our team has always found ways to overcome obstacles and injuries. I have full confidence in our group’s ability to come together and find solutions that will help us continue winning games. However, it is important to acknowledge that without the presence of Shane Bieber, maintaining our success will undoubtedly become more challenging.
