Cleveland Indians: Prospect Shane Bieber promoted to Triple-A Columbus

In some big time prospect news, the Cleveland Indians have promoted their top pitching prospects to Triple-A Columbus.

It was an interesting day for the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday as they faced another long duel with the Texas Rangers, but there was other news for the franchise yesterday. Pitching prospect Shane Bieber was called up to Triple-A Columbus after a tremendous start to 2018 in Akron.

Bieber started the season in Double-A Akron with 21 scoreless innings pitched. He has an ERA of 1.16 in five starts so far this year, along with three wins. The move comes along with the news of Shawn Morimando hitting the 7-day DL for the Clippers.

Who is Shane Bieber?

Bieber was a fourth-round pick for the Tribe in 2016. Flying through three levels of the minors last year, he ended his 2017 season with Double-A Akron after starting in Low-A Lake County.

He finished the season 10-5 with a 2.86 ERA and a WHIP of 1.13. If Bieber progresses as he did last season by getting better at every level, he may likely stay in the rotation even when Morimando returns.

Related Story: Is Shane Bieber a future ace?

The Clippers could use the help right now as they sit at 3rd in the International League West at 10-12. Bieber’s 0.87 WHIP may just help with that. Bieber will likely start three games for Columbus at the least as long as his performance holds up.

It always feels good for fans to see a promising young prospect rise through the ranks. It happened with Mike Clevinger most recently, and could happen for Triston McKenzie in the near future.

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For Bieber he seems to find success everywhere he goes. He will be turning 23 on May 31st and could have another year or two to go before he finds time in the Tribe rotation. But if his success continues he could find himself used in a spot the Ryan Merritt was used in the last few seasons.