Shane Bieber Picks Up Right Where He Left Off In First Start Of Spring Training
Shane Bieber made his Spring debut on Monday afternoon as the Cleveland Guardians took on the Chicago Cubs. There was a lot to like from the starting pitcher who had a rocky 2022 at times.
Through the first half of last season, Bieber had a 3.24 ERA and a WHIP over one. Certainly not terrible stats, but also not what fans had grown to expect to see from the former Cy Young winner.
Feb 27, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) throws to first base in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Then in the second half of the year, Bieber returned to form and had a record of 9-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.48. This included a number of solid starts in the playoffs.
In his first Spring Training game of 2023, Bieber pitched just two innings. Terry Francona and the pitching staff have kept a strict pitch count on their starters but that is sure to change as we get further in the Spring.
Here are some of Bieber's highlights from the first start:
In Bieber's first two innings, he struck at one batter and only walked one hitter. He also didn't give up a single hit or run in the start either. This means one thing, he was throwing strikes which is exactly what you want to see in his first start.
He has command over his pitches and once he gets his velocity up and the spin rate we may be looking at another Cy Young season.
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