Bieber's Road to Recovery
When Shane Bieber walked into the Guardians' Arizona complex on his 30th birthday, most fans imagined a quick return to the rotation. Instead, the former Cy Young winner faced a reality check typical of Tommy John cases: progress is measured in tiny steps. After his April 2024 surgery, Bieber logged just two starts before the season shut down, leaving the right‑hander on a strict rehab schedule.
His first taste of live hitters came in a controlled batting‑practice session, a milestone that many pitchers never reach until months later. The plan was to ease him back through bullpen work with Double‑A Akron, then a gradual climb to the Arizona Complex League (ACL) Guardians. On May 31, Bieber did exactly that: 2⅓ scoreless innings, one hit, five strikeouts. The performance was a confidence booster, proving that his arm could still generate swing-and-miss stuff.
But a few weeks later, a routine bullpen session left him with elbow soreness that forced a sudden scratch from a scheduled rehab start. The team called in the surgeon who performed the reconstruction, and the doctor recommended a short pause to let the tissue settle. "It's not a red flag, just a reminder that the elbow still needs time," the surgeon reportedly told staff. That pause added a few weeks to Bieber's timeline, pushing his projected May return back to early June at the earliest.
Contract-wise, Bieber secured a one‑year, $10 million deal in December, with a $16 million player option for 2026 and a $4 million buyout. The near‑term deal signals Cleveland’s willingness to bet on his long‑term upside while protecting both sides if the rehab takes longer than hoped. Bieber’s career numbers—62‑32 record, 3.22 ERA, two All‑Star nods—make him a valuable asset, but the organization knows that rushing him could jeopardize the next two seasons.
Pitching coach Carl Willis highlighted the importance of a measured approach: "We want Shane healthy for a full season, not just a handful of innings. Patience now means more innings later." Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed that sentiment, adding that the team will likely use a rehab assignment with the ACL Guardians or a short stint in Triple‑A before any major‑league action.
Fry's Path Back to the Field
David Fry’s story reads like a modern utility player’s handbook: catch, play the infield, swing the bat, and now, recover from a second UCL reconstruction. After a November revision surgery, Fry entered the season as a designated hitter and pinch‑hitter, roles that keep his bat in circulation without stressing a throwing arm that’s still regaining strength.
The initial medical projection gave Fry a six‑to‑eight‑month window to return as a DH, with a full‑field comeback taking about a year. That timeline aligns with his own words: "I consider myself a catcher who plays other positions," he told reporters, emphasizing that catching remains his end goal. The Guardians have kept him on a carefully crafted throwing program, gradually increasing intensity while monitoring elbow stability.
Despite the limited defensive duties this year, Fry’s versatility remains a key piece of Cleveland’s roster flexibility. When healthy, he can slot into catcher, first base, third base, or the outfield, giving manager Vogt a rare tactical advantage. The team’s front office, aware of Fry’s market value, signed him to a modest extension that rewards durability; specifics remain private, but sources say the deal includes performance bonuses tied to innings played at catcher.
Fry’s positive outlook has been infectious around the clubhouse. Teammates note his willingness to help younger players in the bullpen, often acting as a mentor while he works on his own arm. "David’s attitude makes the grind feel less like a grind," a teammate whispered after a late‑inning DH appearance on June 15.
Looking ahead, both Fry and Bieber share a common target: be ready for the 2025 season without lingering restrictions. The organization’s rehab staff has created a synchronized schedule that allows both players to train at the Arizona complex side‑by‑side, fostering a supportive environment. If all goes well, you could see Fry take the field in a defensive role by the start of spring training and Bieber make his first major‑league start in late May or early June.
For now, the Guardians are treading a fine line between optimism and caution. The club’s medical team, led by chief orthopedist Dr. Luis Ortega, stresses that each milestone—whether a 2⅓‑inning rehab start or a successful throwing drill—must be validated with data before progressing. As Willis put it, "Recovery isn’t linear, but it’s moving forward, and that’s what counts."
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