Next step for Shane Bieber could be a rehab start, but Cleveland Indians won’t say for sure

Shane Bieber tossed a two-inning simulated game on Thursday in Columbus.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shane Bieber is getting antsy, but the Cleveland Indians remain cautious as their Cy Young Award-winning ace works his way back from a shoulder strain that has sidelined him for three months.

Bieber, out since June 14 with a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder, threw two innings of a simulated game Thursday in Columbus “without incident” according to the club.

Acting manager DeMarlo Hale was asked prior to Friday’s series opener against Milwaukee if the next step for Bieber would be a rehab start in a minor league game, and Hale’s reply was noncommittal.

“Not yet, but he did have a good day,” Hale said. “The volume increased but also his intensity increased.”

Hale said the Indians coaches, medical staff and front office will get together soon to decide whether or not Bieber’s next move will take place in a live game. He said it’s important for the player to have a say, as well.

“As a player you’ve got to have a little bit of patience because you can start looking at the calendar and it’s kind of coming down real quick,” Hale said. “But we still want him to pitch at some point during this last month in the major leagues. We just want to do it right.”

Part of the conversation if Bieber is tabbed for a rehab outing will include just how many innings and pitches he will throw, and what the volume and intensity of that outing could look like.

“There’s a number of people with some thoughts, but it’s also important for him to share where he is and how he feels,” Hale said.

But Hale did not shy away from the idea that there is value in Bieber getting back on the mound in a major league game before October.

“No question,” Hale said. “Like we’ve done with Aaron (Civale), we kind of progressed well. He had sim game, sim game, then all of a sudden it was the rehab and your intensity kind of picks up because you’re competing.”

Civale, who went on the injured list with a sprained finger nine days after Bieber back in June, made his return to the big leagues on Tuesday in a 3-0 loss to the Twins. Civale pitched brilliantly, logging 4 2/3 innings and striking out six batters while allowing just one run on three hits. He was held to 78 pitches and did not face the top of Minnesota’s lineup a third time, providing a possible roadmap for Bieber whenever he returns to game action himself.

Meanwhile, Hale said the reports from Thursdays work were positive.

“From what I heard, even facing our guys, the intensity was good and he responded very well and feels pretty good,” Hale said. “So, we’ll map out his next step.”

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