Guardians’ Tanner Bibee gets unfortunate injury update ahead of next start

Tanner Bibee’s Opening Day start ended abruptly.

Warming up before the bottom of the sixth inning Thursday at T-Mobile Park, the Cleveland Guardians’ ace signaled right-shoulder discomfort.

Immediately, manager Stephen Vogt, pitching coach Carl Willis and trainer Jeff Desjardins huddled on the mound to discuss the situation.

A few moments later, Bibee exited and walked to the locker room to begin receiving strength testing treatments.

Addressing the media after the Guardians’ 6-4 win, Bibee said he felt “pretty good,” as reported by MLB.com.

“It was kind of off and on the entire time,” Bibee said of the shoulder issue. “It kind of got to a point where I feel like I couldn't really battle through it and give my best stuff. It got to a point where I didn't want to hurt myself or the team in turn.”

Bibee remains questionable to make his next start Tuesday or Wednesday at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tanner Bibee fighting new shoulder inflammation

Bibee entered spring training expected to front the rotation as the Guardians attempt to repeat as AL Central champions. He yielded three runs on four hits in five innings during his first career Opening Day start.

Prior to Thursday, Bibee said he did not experience shoulder discomfort.  

After exiting, Bibee performed strength-testing drills to combat the inflammation.

“He was examined," Vogt  said. "He's strong.”

Despite engaging in a 26-pitch bullpen session Saturday, the Guardians listed Bibee as day-to-day Sunday.  

If needed, the Guardians’ brass could summon left-hander Logan Allen from Triple-A Columbus to make Tuesday’s start at the Los Angeles Dodgers.