The Cleveland Guardians are maintaining their playoff push without ace Shane Bieber, who is undergoing rehabilitation after Tommy John surgery. Despite being a half-game out of a Wild Card spot, the Guardians' pitching staff is feeling the strain, especially with Ben Lively out for the season due to a UCL injury. Tanner Bibee has been the most reliable arm, while Gavin Williams is set to pitch against the Seattle Mariners.

Manager Stephen Vogt shared a positive update on Bieber, noting that his recent elbow soreness seems manageable, allowing him to resume throwing soon. The Guardians, with a recent win against the Cincinnati Reds, are striving to regain momentum in a competitive AL landscape. The upcoming series against Seattle will be crucial in their pursuit of postseason play.

Shane Bieber's recovery from Tommy John surgery has hit a minor bump as he reported soreness after a bullpen session in Akron. The Cleveland Guardians are optimistic that this will result in only a week's delay, as they consulted with Dr. Keith Meister, who performed the surgery. Bieber expressed frustration but remains focused on long-term health, acknowledging that setbacks are common in rehab. His previous performances showed promise, and adjustments to his changeup during downtime indicate progress in his recovery.

With the Guardians facing further pitching woes due to Ben Lively's upcoming surgery, Bieber's potential return in June would be crucial. This injury, while concerning, appears manageable, allowing him to refine his skills while prioritizing health. The addition of a mustache during his recovery period has also become a light-hearted highlight for Bieber, marking a new chapter in his return to the mound.

The Cleveland Guardians face a tough matchup against Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, who boasts a remarkable 1.83 ERA and is a contender for the AL Cy Young award this season. The Guardians are struggling offensively and will need to find their rhythm as they look to bounce back. Gavin Williams will take the mound for Cleveland, aiming to improve his record. Meanwhile, the team faces injury concerns, with Shane Bieber's rehabilitation setback and Austin Hedges potentially heading to the IL after a concussion.

Cleveland's lineup against the Astros features Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Bo Naylor, among others. The Guardians are currently third in the AL Central, trailing the Tigers and Twins. As they prepare for this critical series, fans will be keen to see how the team responds amidst these challenges.

The Cleveland Guardians are currently holding onto the American League's second Wild Card spot, despite lacking one of their top pitchers, Shane Bieber. With a 3.99 ERA, they rank 19th in baseball and 24th in OPS, indicating a struggling offense and pitching staff. Bieber's recovery from Tommy John surgery has left the Guardians in a tough position, as he has yet to pitch this season. The latest reports indicate that Bieber will be sidelined from throwing until next week due to soreness that halted his rehabilitation start. The Guardians will need him back to strengthen their playoff push as they prepare for upcoming series against the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds.