CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Guardians announced that starting pitcher Shane Bieber will undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his 2024 season. Triston McKenzie will start on Opening Day in Cleveland in place of their ace after their game in Minneapolis was postponed due to rain.
Following his first start in Oakland and subsequent start in Seattle on April 2, Bieber experienced a recurrence of medial right elbow pain. The recurrence of symptoms prompted further medical due diligence, including imaging and evaluation by Guardians team physicians.
Imaging and evaluations confirmed Bieber’s reinjuring of his proximal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Additional medical opinions from sports medicine physicians, Drs. Keith Meister and Neal ElAttrache, confirmed the diagnosis.
Given the recurrence of symptoms following an extended period of rest and rehabilitation during the 2023 season and subsequent off-season, Bieber was recommended for surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament. The team is in the process of coordinating surgery with Dr. Meister in Dallas.
Bieber, 28, dealt with elbow injuries during the 2023 season, missing two and a half months before making two starts in late September.
The former Cy Young Award winner had two great starts to begin the season, striking out 20 batters and allowing ten hits and one walk in 12 innings. He is also eligible to become a free agent following this season.