This Has Been Shane Bieber's Biggest Struggle So Far This Season

Shane Bieber has struggled to give the Cleveland Guardians production when he sees a team for the third time.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Even for those who want to say Cleveland Guardians' Shane Bieber has taken a step back from his 2020 Cy Young season and is no longer the same pitcher, you still have to admit he's one of baseball's best.

Bieber pitched in each of his scheduled starts in the first half of the season and finished up with a 3.77 ERA, 1.248 WHIP, and a 1.8 WAR (Baseball Reference) before the All-Star break.

However, there has been one area in his game that has been Bieber's Achille's heel this season. That is the third time through the order.

Bieber is about as efficient as they come early on in the game. The first time through the order he has an ERA of 2.36 and opponents have an OBP of .288. Shane only gets better the second time 

But the opposition seems to have Bieber figured out when they see him a third time in the game.

Bieber's ERA jumps to a staggering 7.58 and an OBP of .351 when he sees opponents that dreaded third time through. He's given a total of 26 runs in 29.2 innings pitched which included eight home runs while opposing batters slug .589 off him.

Struggling this much inevitably means that his pitch count is going to jump too. 

When Bieber has thrown 76-100 pitches, he's given up 33 hits; six doubles, one triple, and eight home runs. 

The trade rumors surrounding Bieber are only going to grow louder as we approach the August 1 deadline. Fans are still questioning whether or not the Guardians will keep their ace or what kind of package could the organization get in return.

Any team that calls Cleveland's front office undoubtedly brings up this struggle. Especially because they'll be acquiring him with the intention that he can go deep in playoff games. 

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Photo Credit © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports