We all love the upside of Shane Bieber, but let's be real: trusting a pitcher coming off missed time is terrifying.
The Blue Jays' rotation is currently being hyped as a "Super Team" assembly, but one crucial piece is flashing a warning light.
Recent reports suggest the team needs to "monitor" Bieber closely in camp after he missed significant time over the last two seasons.
While he’s not currently on the shelf like he was previously, the phrase "lingering injury" or "monitor" is enough to send shivers down any fan's spine.
Bieber (Drafted 4th Round, 2016 by Cleveland) is a former Cy Young winner who, when right, is unhittable.
But durability is the single most valuable ability for a starting pitcher in the American League East.
We saw last year how quickly a "deep" rotation can evaporate when injuries strike.
If Bieber is limited or has to skip starts, the pressure immediately dumps onto rookie Trey Yesavage (Drafted 1st Round, 2024 by Blue Jays) to pitch like an ace.
The difference between a "good" rotation and a "legendary" one is health
Ross Atkins bet big on high-ceiling arms, but high ceilings often come with fragile floors.
The good news is that Bieber is a relentless worker who knows his body better than anyone.
If the "monitoring" is just precautionary load management, this could actually be a brilliant strategy to keep him fresh for October.
Imagine a healthy Bieber joining Gausman and Cease in a playoff series—that is a nightmare for opposing lineups.
But if this smoke turns into fire, the depth provided by guys like Cody Ponce becomes the lifeline of the season.
The training staff deserves a raise in advance because their work with Bieber will dictate the team's ceiling.
We’re all rooting for the "Notorious B.I.E.B." to silence the doubters and reclaim his throne.
Do you trust Shane Bieber to make 25+ starts this season?
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