MIAMI -- In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, Shane Bieber made a spectacular return to the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings and allowing just one run in his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. This game marked Bieber's first appearance since April 2, 2024, following a lengthy 16-month absence due to elbow discomfort that ultimately required Tommie John surgery. The Blue Jays triumphed over the Miami Marlins with a score of 5-2, solidifying their position at the top of the AL East.
Daulton Varsho had a standout performance, contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' victory with a home run, a double, and three RBIs. Meanwhile, Ty France added two hits and two RBIs, showcasing the offensive depth of the team. Bieber, who threw 87 pitches, allowed only two hits and hit one batter during his impressive outing. After giving up a homer to Javier Sanoja in the second inning, Bieber quickly regained control, retiring 12 consecutive batters.
The Blue Jays had acquired the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner from the Cleveland Guardians on July 31, and he had undergone four rehab outings with the Guardians before joining Toronto. After the trade, Bieber participated in three more rehab outings, gearing up for his return.
Toronto jumped to an early lead in the first inning, thanks to Varsho, who hit an RBI double and subsequently scored on a two-run single by France off Marlins starter Ryan Gusto (7-6). This offensive surge put the Blue Jays ahead 3-0 right out of the gate. In the sixth inning, the Blue Jays extended their lead to 5-1 when Varsho launched a two-run homer that soared 423 feet into the right-center field seats.
The Marlins managed to reduce the deficit to 5-2 in the eighth inning, as Maximo Acosta hit a solo homer against reliever Yariel Rodríguez. However, Brendon Little came in to secure the final two outs after Acosta's homer, and Jeff Hoffman successfully closed the game for his 28th save of the season. Gusto struggled in his home debut for the Marlins, giving up five runs and seven hits.
A key moment in the game occurred when Alejandro Kirk hit a crucial two-out single that extended the sixth inning, setting the stage for Varsho's impressive homer. Additionally, Bo Bichette contributed to the Blue Jays' offensive efforts by hitting a double in the first inning, which elevated him to an AL-leading total of 158 hits this season.
As the series continues, the Blue Jays are set to send RHP José Berríos (9-5, 4.00 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. He will face off against the Marlins’ RHP Janson Junk (6-2, 4.04). Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another exciting matchup in this series.
