Shane Bieber came back to Cleveland on Tuesday wearing a Blue Jays uniform, but the setting still felt familiar.
The 31-year-old right-hander, who spent the bulk of his career with the Guardians from 2018-2024 and remained with the club through the first half of the ’25 campaign, traveled with Toronto to Progressive Field even though he is currently injured. The Blue Jays are in town for a three-game series against the Guardians, and Bieber spoke before Tuesday night’s game about what it was like to return.
“A bit odd for sure walking up the stairs and being on this side of the field,” Bieber said while speaking to reporters before Tuesday night's game. “… It always feels great, it's a great place to come back to. It's odd thinking that it's only been a year and it's odd thinking that it's already been a year.
“I'm happy to be back. It's been awesome to catch up with some friends, and some family essentially, over the last hour or two.”
Bieber’s Cleveland run left a real mark. He was one of the better starters in the game from 2019-2022, winning the 2020 American League Cy Young award and taking All-Star Game MVP honors in 2019. His 2019 All-Star performance, when he struck out the side in his inning of work, helped make him a fan favorite in Cleveland.
“A lot of great memories,” Bieber continued. “The support from 2018-2025 was very special and something that my family and I cherish. So it's something that I've been looking forward to for a long time.”
The Guardians traded Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays before he returned from injury in 2025. This season, the Blue Jays right-hander has a 4.37 ERA across 11 outings.
In Other News...
Clase And Ortiz Face A Damaging New Twist In Cleveland Case
Federal prosecutors say the case against Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz has taken a sharper turn, with allegations that the two Guardians pitchers tried to mislead Major League Baseball investigators about their involvement in an alleged pitch-rigging and betting scheme. Both players have already pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, fraud, money laundering and sports bribery, and the legal fight is now set to head toward a November 2 trial that will keep the franchise in an unwelcome spotlight.
The new allegation adds another layer to a case that already carries serious consequences for Cleveland, both because of the accusations themselves and because MLB's Rule 21 bars betting on baseball. Prosecutors say the pitchers attempted to hide payments and obscure their roles during the league's inquiry, leaving the Guardians to watch a sprawling off-field matter move closer to a courtroom resolution without any easy way to put the story behind them. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Spark Debate With September Choice On Intriguing Young Bat
The Guardians used their September roster expansion to bring up Daniel Schneemann and Carlos Hernandez, but the move that has drawn the most attention is the one they did not make. First baseman Ralphy Velazquez has been one of the more intriguing young bats in the organization, and his minor league performance has made him a natural candidate for a late-season look as Cleveland sorts through its expanded options.
Instead, the club is weighing bigger-picture development concerns, including the possibility of an MLB lockout next season that could alter his path forward. It is a cautious approach, and one that has led some analysts to question whether Cleveland is passing on a chance to give Velazquez a taste of the majors when opportunities are open. The debate now centers on whether the long view outweighs the value of getting him into the mix right away. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Wild Card Chase Just Got Tougher Before Huge Orioles Series
The Orioles added another layer to an already tricky postseason push by claiming outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers from the Mets before the postseason eligibility deadline. For Cleveland, which is still chasing a Wild Card berth and now heads into a major series with Baltimore, the move is a reminder that the October race is turning into a test of depth, urgency and roster creativity. Robert has battled injuries this season, but he is still the kind of player who can change a series when healthy.
Baltimore will take on the rest of Roberts salary for this season and eventually has to sort out his 2027 team option or buyout, but the immediate issue is what he means in a race that keeps tightening. The Guardians have enough at stake already without seeing the Orioles add another name who has been productive when available, and the matchup now looks even more significant for both clubs. For Cleveland, the margin for error in the Wild Card chase just got a little thinner. [Read more 🡒]