"Blue Jays plan for Shane Bieber to open the season on the injured list.He's dealing with right forearm fatigue and his ramp-up will be delayed past opening day. He's feeling good per John Schneider and playing catch, but won't start the season on time. Described as week to week- Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith)"
"Francis' season-ending injury adds another frustrating layer to a career that has struggled to find sustained health. After emerging as a key depth option in 2024, pitching to a 3.30 ERA spanning 103 innings, he was limited to just 64 innings in 2025 before arm issues shut him down. For a pitcher whose value was built on availability, spot starts, and bulk relief, the loss damages Toronto's pitching depth while helping to explain why they were in the Framber Valdez market."
"Meanwhile, the more concerning news with Bieber represents a different timeline. Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery on April 14th, 2024 and successfully returned to action with success, regaining much of his command and velocity late last season. Down the stretch, Bieber showed encouraging signs while contributing to a deep postseason run."
Shane Bieber will open the season on the injured list due to right forearm fatigue, delaying his ramp-up and leaving his status week-to-week while he plays catch. Bowden Francis will undergo UCL reconstruction surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season after being limited to 64 innings in 2025. Francis had been a depth option in 2024 but has struggled with sustained health, reducing Toronto's bullpen and spot-start flexibility. The losses weaken the Blue Jays' pitching depth and help explain the team's interest in bolstering the rotation through external targets such as Framber Valdez.
Read at Jays Journal
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