Blue Jays’ Shane Bieber News Emerges After 50 Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated May 22, 2026 6:07 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are still searching for consistency amidst a disappointing start to the 2026 MLB season. Trying to remain competitive in the American League East race, the Blue Jays enter Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 23-27 record and in third place in the AL East.

During much of the season, Toronto has battled key injuries and instability throughout its pitching rotation. Several key starters have spent time on the injured list this season, forcing the Blue Jays to constantly shuffle the rotation. Veteran right-hander Shane Bieber has yet to pitch for the Blue Jays this season while dealing with an elbow injury, but Toronto may now finally be getting closer to welcoming the former Cy Young winner back to the mound.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57)Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Bieber is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays and will pitch two innings.

“Shane Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Monday, throwing two innings for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays. He’ll build up volume from there, shooting for three innings his next time out,” Zwelling shared on X.

Bieber remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball when healthy and could provide a significant boost to Toronto’s rotation once he returns. The 30-year-old last pitched for the Blue Jays on November 1 in game seven of the 2025 World Series, in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shane Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Monday, throwing two innings for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays

He’ll build up volume from there, shooting for three innings his next time out
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) May 22, 2026

Last season with the Blue Jays, Bieber posted a 3.57 ERA and 37 strikeouts across seven starts. If Bieber continues progressing through his rehab assignment without setbacks, the veteran right-hander could soon provide a major boost to a Blue Jays rotation that has relied heavily on veterans Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease in the absence of Bieber.

Toronto will continue monitoring his workload as the team enters a three-game series against the Pirates on Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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