Shane Bieber’s return from Tommy John surgery has gone pretty well. Somewhat inconsistent, yes, but that’s par for the course for pitchers in this situation.

The former Cleveland ace was rumoured to be on the trade block back in 2023, months before getting hurt, and was finally dealt at the deadline this year to Toronto.

Less than a month later, Bieber came off the IL and looked incredible in his first start (see video), but was less sparkling in the following three outings. On Sunday, he turned things around with six very sharp frames to bag the win in his best start since his Toronto debut.

No, Bieber WHIP isn’t quite as sparkling as it was in his brief time last year before he got hurt, but his hit rates are solid so it’s still damn impressive for a pitcher who’s been out as long as he was. He’s still punching out more than a batter per inning and has shown a level of command (5.1 K/BB ratio) that you don’t normally see right away from hurlers coming off TJS.

Bieber takes the mound Saturday evening in K.C. in what could be a playoff clinching game for the Jays (assuming that doesn’t happen Friday). Better yet, it’s a good matchup for him so be sure to have him active, and on the bizarre chance he’s still on your wire, do yourself a favour and pounce — his upside is just too tempting.

This righty has a fine delivery and a strong arsenal of five pitches, all of which he uses with regularity. This year, Bieber isn’t going to his fastball or slider as often as he did in 2024, opting to throw his cutter and knuckle curve more often, and he’s getting positive value out of all his pitches except his changeup, which traditionally has been his weakest offering.

Waiver Wire Pick of the Week

Trey Yesavage, SP, Toronto Blue Jays (ESPN: 6.9 per cent; CBS: NA): Sticking with Jays’ starting pitchers, Yesavage was No. 74 on our Top 100 Prospects ranking this winter and, as we anticipated, he shot through the system in quick order, making his MLB debut on Monday. Oh, and he looked damned impressive, hurling five innings with three hits, one earned run and two walks allowed against nine Ks. Expected to be shifted to the bullpen after that outing, instead Yesavage will get another start on Sunday. And with his sweet matchup in K.C., he makes a fine option if you need a streamer. The 2025 Futures Game participant gives Toronto yet another strong arm for the stretch drive.

RotoRob Tune of the Day

Jamiroquai has consistently attacked social and environmental justice issues through their lyrics, and the latter was never more evident than on the single “Virtual Insanity.” Originally from 1996’s brilliant album Travelling Without Moving, the song was remastered for the compilation effort High Times: Singles 1992-2006.