Bieber excited to join Jays, return to mound
Global News
Shane Bieber hopes to be a popular pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays down the stretch, but realizes that in his new home, he'll be the second most famous Bieber after Canadian pop icon Justin Bieber.
TORONTO – Shane Bieber hopes to be a popular pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays down the stretch, but realizes that in his new home, he’ll be the second most famous Bieber after Canadian pop icon Justin Bieber.
The Blue Jays’ Bieber once wore a jersey with “Not Justin” on the back during a players’ weekend in 2019, which prompted Canada’s Bieber to don a “Not Shane Bieber” shirt a few weeks later.
“Well, it turns out I’m probably the second most famous Bieber in most cities,” said the 30-year-old righty who arrived in Toronto on Friday to meet manager John Schneider, his new teammates, coaches and support staff.
The Blue Jays acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians before Thursday’s trade deadline in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen.
Bieber made the 4 1/2-hour drive from Cleveland, where he was put through the ringer by customs officials at the border.
“They shook me down,” Bieber said with a smile. “It was nothing too crazy. Once I got there, we got out of the car and explained the situation. I got my papers and made my way.”
When will Bieber, who underwent Tommy John surgery on April 12, 2024, make his way to the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays?
Last Tuesday, he made his fourth rehab start, this time for double-A Akron with a four-inning, 59-pitch outing, giving up three hits, including a homer.
