Shane Bieber to Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Ending 2024 Season
In a devastating blow to the Cleveland Guardians, ace pitcher Shane Bieber will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, the team announced Saturday. The procedure will sideline the 29-year-old right-hander for the remainder of the 2024 season.
A Recurring Injury
Bieber first experienced elbow pain in 2023, which limited him to 21 starts and 128 innings. Despite making a successful return to the mound in September and pitching well in spring training, the pain recurred in his first start of the 2024 season against the Oakland Athletics. Further medical evaluation confirmed the torn UCL.
A Major Loss for the Guardians
Bieber’s absence is a significant setback for the Guardians, who are currently 6-2 and in contention for the AL Central title. The team is already without right-hander Gavin Williams, who is sidelined with elbow inflammation, and top prospect Daniel Espino, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Implications for the Future
The injury also raises questions about Bieber’s future with the Guardians. The two-time All-Star will be a free agent after the season, and the low payroll Guardians may not be willing or able to retain him. The loss of Bieber could potentially lead to a trade of the former Cy Young winner before the deadline.
Road to Recovery
The recovery time for Tommy John surgery typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. If Bieber undergoes the traditional surgery, he is likely to miss the entire 2025 season as well. However, he could potentially return earlier if he opts for the less invasive internal brace procedure.
Bieber’s Accolades
Bieber has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball since his MLB debut in 2018. He won the AL Cy Young Award in 2020 and has compiled a career 3.22 ERA in 843 innings. His injury is a reminder of the fragility of even the most talented athletes and the unpredictable nature of the game.