Spring Training is the ideal time for injured players to ramp up their rehab work to get into shape for the regular season. Several new updates are coming in from all over the league. Here’s taking a look at the two latest news.
Latest Details of Shane Bieber’s Rehab Revealed
The Toronto Blue Jays had revealed on the first day of Spring Training that starting pitcher Shane Bieber would start the regular season on the Injury List after he suffered from elbow soreness during the offseason. He played with the injury throughout the Summer, including the playoffs, where he led the rotation to the World Series.
The club earlier revealed that Bieber was throwing from a flat ground at a 90-foot distance. The 30-year-old has since progressed from that stage, with manager John Schneider providing fresh updates on TSN’s Overdrive broadcast on Thursday.
“Biebs isn’t that far behind. Biebs is feeling good. He’s out to [throwing at] 120 feet. Hopefully in the next week to two weeks, he’s getting off the mound and starting his progression.”
Bieber, having a career 3.24 ERA, was traded to the Blue Jays in the middle of Tommy John surgery last season. He had made just 23 starts in the previous two seasons. The former Cleveland Guardians arm pitched a combined 59 innings for the Blue Jays, postseason included. He had opted in to the $16 million contract he attached to his contract earlier in the offseason.
Orioles Concerned for Jordan Westburg’s Season After Latest Scare
When the Baltimore Orioles revealed that infielder Jordan Westburg would be missing the first few games of Spring Training, they were only aware of an oblique injury. However, various members of the management revealed concerning details about Westburg’s status.
According to manager Craig Albernaz, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Westburg was included in their Spring Training activities but had to hold himself back because he was deeply struggling physically.
“He’s just unable to participate right now,” Albernaz said. “He’s getting evaluated by our medical team and also outside people to make sure we have a plan in place, and see what’s going on with Jordan to get him going.”
Westburg reportedly had an MRI conducted for a potential elbow injury to add to the oblique strain. General manager Mike Elias stated that an update will soon follow.
The Orioles already had to place second baseman Jackson Holliday on the IL to start the season due to a hamate surgery. With Westburgh also seemingly out, Coby Mayo is expected to get some playing time at third base. He will want to reflect Westburg’s .264 career average. This is the third major injury scare for Westburg after suffering a broken arm and a couple of hamstring issues.
