Shane Bieber Describes First Start For Guardians Since Coming Off Injured List

The Cleveland Guardians got their ace pitcher back on Friday after not making a start for over two months. Shane Bieber never returned from the All-Star break after it was discovered he had inflammation in his elbow.

He was shut down and had to go through a lengthy rehab assignment before being given the green light to make his return. Fans got to see Bieber back in action on the mound as the Guardians welcomed the Baltimore Orioles to town.

Bieber pitched just 5.0 innings in his return. He had no problem throwing strikes as 52 of his 81 pitches were in the zone and he also recorded five strikeouts. However, being in and around the zone also caused a lot of trouble for the former Cy Young winner as well.

The Orioles had an aggressive game plan against him and scored five runs (four earned) off Bieber and recorded six hits as well in his 5.0 innings of work. Two of those were scored right of the game in the first inning and they tallied three more in the third inning.

Bieber deceived after the game what it was like to finally get back on the mound:

"I felt good ... arm felt great but a lot of work to be done. A lot left to be desired and I'm confident I'll be able to do all of that. Another step in the right direction and move forward."

Overall, this probably wasn't the line that most fans were hoping or expecting from a pitcher as good as Bieber. But we do have to remember how long he was out for.

Terry Francona commended Bieber for making his way back and was very realistic about what fans saw on Friday night. Tito said, "he didn't seem in midseason form, but I'm not sure how he would." Not to mention the Orioles have one of the best lineups in baseball.

Bieber should get one more start before the season comes to an end and build his confidence for the 2024 season. Tito said Bieber exiting the season healthy would be a "big step" and he's currently on track to do that.