The Cleveland Guardians, a rough season so far may have just gotten even worse. Shane Bieber, the club’s ace, was shut down for two weeks on Saturday due to elbow inflammation. Bieber was already scratched from his next start to instead undergo an MRI. Bieber has reportedly been dealing with discomfort for weeks prior to the all-star break. He will not require any surgery, and Cleveland has recalled the righty Michael Kelly from triple-A Columbus.
What Happened To Bieber?
This season, Shane Bieber’s first 19 starts saw him have a 3.77 ERA and a 2.88 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers alone seem impressive but they are below his average output. Even with these solid numbers, this is his worst ERA since his rookie in 2018. As well as being his lowest strikeout-to-walk ratio. Looking deeper, Bieber may have other problems brewing according to CBSSports.com.
Bieber may have gained some velocity from last season, but his swing-and-miss rates are down. Although his career whiff rate is 30.6% he enters the injured list with a 24.4% rate this season. Even more shocking for the Cleveland Guardians is that Bieber is in the eighth percentile in average exit velocity. Bieber has been giving up some loud hits so far this season.
It is worth mentioning that the Cleveland Guardians have been entertaining the thought of Trading the former Cy Young award winner. Shane has one year left on his contract in Cleveland. Rather than lose him to another team in free-agency Cleveland wants to get something in return for Bieber. Bieber’s trade value just took a hit and now so did the Guardians’ playoff chances. With Beiber, MacKenzie, and Quantrill all hurt Cleveland has turned to a trio of rookies in their starting rotation.
What Is Next For CLE?
Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, and Logan Allen have proven that they can help this team win, but you need experience as you go deeper into the season and Cleveland is running out of those types of pitchers. It will be very interesting to see how the Cleveland Guardians handle this Beieber situation.
Will they still be able to find a deal for him? Will they have to move another piece instead? Aaron Civale’s name is now popping up in trade rumors. Things are about to get a little crazy in Cleveland. The Guards are still in the playoff hunt, but they are going to have to fight an uphill battle just to make it this year.
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