Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starting pitcher Shane Bieber has yet to provide stability in the rotation since coming off the injury list from right elbow and forearm injuries. His biggest downfall has been commanding his slider, which was his primary bread-and-butter pitch. 

Since returning from the IL he has surrendered seven home runs across four starts, definitely not what was expected from the former 2020 Cy Young winner. Last season, Bieber held a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA along with 37 strikeouts across 40 1/3 innings pitched. 

But this season his performance has staggered with an 0-1 record and a 7.64 ERA with 13 strikeouts and a 2.04 WHIP across 17 2/3 innings pitched.

Despite the Blue Jays winning 5-3 against the San Diego Padres on Friday night, Bieber pitched only 4 2/3 innings and gave up six hits, two earned runs (one home run) and three walks. Walks have also been an issue for the 31-year-old who has given up 10 so far this season. 

Shane Bieber's 2026 slider issues and performance

Bieber's return from the IL has not been pretty and it is evident that his prolonged time (three months) on the IL has impacted his performance. 

Overall, his command and efficiency with his slider has been a significant concern. As a result, it has shown a decline in his whiff rates and doesn't currently resemble its competitive drive like last season. 

In his debut this season on June 23, his whiff rate declined to 12.5% and he has struggled to retire batters with it. A keen example was in his performance against the Padres. Bieber threw his slider up and away in the zone and Xander Bogaerts crushed it for a two-run home run.

 While Bieber did lower his ERA from 9.00 to 7.64, he has yet to find his groove. As well, Bieber gave up a grand slam to Randy Arozarena on July 4 and it came off of a 85.1 mph slider. 

⚾Randy Arozarena, @RandyArozarena! HR (9)
Get out the rye bread and the mustard, Grandma. It's grand salami time!

7/4/26 @ SEA, ⬇️ 2nd
vs RHP Shane Bieber

105.2 MPH / 24° / 412 ft to LF
Off a 85.1 MPH slider

▶️It's a home run in 30/30 parks.◀️ pic.twitter.com/jr6Ccuwsqa

Due to the inconsistency with his slider the Blue Jays have some decisions to make regarding his spot in the rotation. While the Blue Jays want to believe he can overcome his struggles, Bieber has put up the worst performance in his career in a small sample size. 

Sportsnets Nick Ashbourne analyzed Bieber's command issues stating, ''Last year, 55.9 per cent of Bieber’s pitches were heaters or sliders, and he was consistently painting corners with both pitches. This season, neither offering is landing where the right-hander wants it.''