This is what Toronto wanted to see.
Shane Bieber is an exciting trade deadline acquisition for the Blue Jays, but he isn't in Toronto yet.
Bieber spent Sunday in Buffalo, pitching at Triple-A.
It was Bieber's fourth rehab start since beginning his comeback from Tommy John surgery, and his first since joining the Toronto organization.
The good news for the Blue Jays: Bieber looked sharp.
The veteran right-hander went 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six.
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It's not yet clear whether Bieber will get one more rehab start or if he'll be coming up to the majors now.
He had Tommy John surgery after just a couple starts in 2024.
His initial comeback began this June, but after a setback, he didn't make his first rehab start until July in the Guardians' system.
He made one in Rookie ball, one in A-ball, one in Double-A and now this one in Triple-A.
The Blue Jays won't want to rush Bieber, but when he's ready, they also won't want to wait to get him to the major leagues.
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He was a gamble at the deadline, for sure, but he's clearly still talented. It's just a question of how consistent he can be coming off of his injury.
Bieber rounds out what has the potential to be a very strong Blue Jays pitching rotation that can hang with anyone in the postseason.
If Bieber can help Toronto hold onto the AL East lead, even better. And if he's healthy when the postseason rolls around, the Blue Jays will have a very real chance.
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