Cleveland Indians: Shane Bieber talks about being called up

Cleveland Indians rookie pitcher Shane Bieber shared an interesting story about being called up on the Jim Rome Show last week.

Cleveland Indians fans entered the 2018 season wondering if Danny Salazar could make a triumphant return and get back to his old, dominant ways.

That was not the case.

Salazar has been out all season and while it is disappointing, it has allowed Shane Bieber to cement himself as part of the starting rotation.

The 23-year-old made his debut on May 31 and has been a regular in the rotation for most of the year. During that time he has compiled a record of 10-4 to go along with his 4.50 ERA.

Bieber appeared on the Jim Rome Show last week and discussed the manner in which he was called up to Cleveland. The video can be seen right here on Vimeo.

Bieber explains the clever way his coaches in Columbus revealed his call-up and how he didn’t really know how to react. I personally would have broken down with emotion but this is why I am not a professional pitcher. That and the whole velocity thing.

The rookie’s role will become more intriguing to follow now that Trevor Bauer is set to return Friday.

Bieber seems to be transitioning to a bullpen role for the postseason, but that always seemed to be the plan anyway. However, Bauer could also slide to the bullpen if the coaching staff thinks he could serve the team better in that role. That is unlikely if he is fully healthy, but it is a point that has come up.

The way things end up playing out will be known soon. The good news is that the Indians have a rookie pitcher who plays and acts like a veteran. He was compared to Corey Kluber when he was called up and it is easy to see why.