Shane Bieber Will Begin 2026 Season on Injured List

Shane Bieber will open the 2026 season on the injured list (15-day IL), the Toronto Blue Jays have indicated. The right-hander is being delayed in his spring ramp-up due to right forearm fatigue/inflammation; the move is described as precautionary, with Bieber evaluated week-to-week while continuing light throwing (playing catch).

Context

Bieber returned late in 2025 from Tommy John surgery and pitched through some late-season fatigue. Toronto is taking a cautious approach rather than risking a setback—no new structural procedure has been cited, and the focus is on managing workload as he builds back.

Impact

The former Cy Young winner is a key piece of the Blue Jays rotation when healthy. His absence at the start of the year means Toronto will rely on other starters early; his timeline will be updated as he progresses through throwing and game activity.

What It Means for AthX

Bieber’s share price may dip or stay discounted until he’s cleared for games and building innings—dynamic pricing responds to playing time and pace. Other Blue Jays starters could see a bump in projected workload and thus in value early in the season. Dividend-focused holders should watch for updates; once he’s back, his price will reflect his outings and role.

Bottom Line

Bieber will start 2026 on the 15-day IL with right forearm fatigue/inflammation. Expect week-to-week updates as he works back toward game action. Browse the marketplace to see how rotation changes affect player values on AthX. *Sources: MLB Trade Rumors, ClutchPoints, RotoWire, Heavy, Newsweek. Fact-checked February 11, 2026.*