What happened to Shane Bieber? Guardians ace suddenly pulled from upcoming start

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber was slated to get the ball on Monday but was scratched from his start. He underwent an MRI of his forearm/elbow, which has been bothering him.

Manager Terry Francona told reporters on Friday that it has been an issue for a few weeks, and his stats show it. The Guardians do not want to risk further injury, so Bieber will be considered day-to-day until the team gets the MRI results back.

This is quite the news for the Guardians, battling to stay atop the American League Central. They currently hold a 0.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins with a record of 45-45.

Shane Bieber has been working as the team's ace this season. This is especially true with Triston McKenzie starting the season on the IL. Cleveland undoubtedly needs both Bieber and McKenzie in the rotation to be truly competitive.

Shane Bieber's injury could be the cause for his underwhelming performances this season

Atlanta Braves v Cleveland Guardians

This season, Shane Bieber has not looked like the same pitcher that won the American League Cy Young Award in 2020. So far, he has compiled a 5-6 record with a 3.77 ERA in 117 innings pitched. Aside from his rookie season, this is the highest Bieber has ever seen his ERA in the big leagues.

The Cleveland Guardians will hope nothing serious comes from the MRI, and he is just in a slump. They are in a prime position to run away with the division, as it seems to be between them and the Minnesota Twins.

The Guardians get their second half of the season started against the Texas Rangers. Given how good the Rangers look this season and Cleveland operating on a short rotation, this first series could test them.