Bieber progresses; with the aim of returning this year

CLEVELAND – Shane bieber is determined to launch again this season.

The Cleveland Indians ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner, who has been out since early June with a sore shoulder, perked up after releasing his arm in the outfield on Friday and said he wants to return to the field. mound in 2021.

Bieber started catching balls from 90 feet before moving to 60 feet, where he said he “got” a couple of pitches.

Later, his smile signaled success.

“Today was a good day,” he told reporters after the session. “The last two days have also been good, and I think that’s what it’s all about, being able to accumulate good days and keep making progress.”

Bieber doesn’t have a comeback date this season, but the 26-year-old is hoping to pitch, whether that means pitching a few innings or making multiple starts.

He’s taking a long-term approach, just like the Indians, who don’t want to take any chances with their All Star.

Bieber hadn’t wasted that much time since his freshman year in college, and the right-hander said it’s been mentally tough not being able to help his teammates.

“I’ve been pitching every five or seven days since then [la universidad]So this has been tough, mentally, for sure, “he said.” They also told me a few times that this is not a return-dated thing, this is a day-to-day thing, so we’ll see what happens. “

He didn’t go into much detail about his shoulder, but said the break was seen as the best way to get back on the mound. The Indians have said that he had a dislocated muscle in his rotator cuff.

“I needed a little rest, and after that we had to try to improve things as quickly and safely as possible,” he said. “I mean, I’m not very excited about the fact that it took a little longer than expected, but it is what it is, and we have to think about safety and the long term.

“So it all came down to getting some rest, and I’m sure you can tell that I’m excited and want to get back as soon as possible.”

Bieber was 7-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 14 starts before the Indians placed him on the disabled list. His speed had noticeably slowed down and Bieber was not as dominant as in the past when the team decided to put him to rest.

Bieber won the Cy Young last year after going 8-1 in the short season and leading the majors in wins, ERA (1.63) and strikeouts (122).

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