Blue Jays’ activate Shane Bieber off the Injured List, option Braydon Fisher to Bisons

In Bieber’s last rehab outing with the Bisons, he went seven scoreless innings with six hits allowed, no walks, and four strikeouts. For his entire Bisons’ rehab stint, the 30-year-old ace had a 2.04 ERA and 3.50 FIP in 17.2 innings pitched. Bieber is the expected starter for Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins, which will be his first big league appearance since early in the 2024 season.

With Bieber joining the rotation, Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted that Eric Lauer is available to pitch out of the bullpen in the Jays’ weekend series. That said, he didn’t commit to Lauer being in the bullpen full-time, so it’s still possible the Jays use a six-man rotation at some point this season, probably in September when the rosters expand.

As for the demotion, Fisher was one of the relievers least expected to be optioned to make room for Bieber. However, he’s had a rough go of things over his last four outings, giving up four earned runs in three and one-third innings, while walking two batters and striking out two batters.

It hearkens back to Mason Fluharty’s first stint, as the left-handed pitcher gave up 12 earned runs in a seven-and-one-third-inning stretch from June 8 until he was optioned after June 30th’s game. Upon returning, Fluharty has a 3.65 ERA and 5.06 FIP in 12.1 innings pitched, picking up a massive save against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Whether it’s a case of fatigue for both pitchers is anyone’s best guess, but with Fisher having option years remaining and Tommy Nance needing to clear waivers if sent down, it was one of the more obvious moves for the Jays. Come September, when the rosters expand to 28 players, Fisher will likely be the first reliever up.