NEW YORK — The Guardians found themselves in a difficult situation before they traded Shane Bieber to Toronto on Thursday, hours before the 6 p.m. deadline.

They had spent the better part of two years helping the former Cy Young winner rehab from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in April of 2024.

So why trade him just before it looked like he was on the verge of completing his rehab and rejoining the big-league rotation?

Here were their options:

They could have kept Bieber for the stretch run. If he pitched well, he would have almost assuredly rejected his $16 million player option for 2026 and become a free agent.If they kept Bieber for the stretch run, and he didn’t pitch well, or had another setback as he did in May, he could have exercised his $16 million player option for 2026. That’s a big contract for the Guardians to carry, especially if there are questions about his health.They could have kept Bieber, hoping he pitched well down the stretch. If he did pitch well and filed for free agency, they could have made him a qualifying offer to ensure themselves a draft pick. The qualifying offer for last season was $21.5 million, representing a one-year deal if the player takes it. If he doesn’t, the team receives a draft pick.Or they could have traded him, which is what they did. The Guardians received right-hander Khal Stephen, Toronto’s second-round pick last year. He reached Class AA this year before a shoulder impingement put him on the injured list. Stephen is currently in Goodyear, Arizona rehabbing. There’s a chance he could join Double-A Akron before the season ends.

Bieber made his first rehab start with Toronto on Sunday for Triple-A Buffalo. He allowed two runs in five innings with six strikeouts against Syracuse. Bieber threw 62 pitches, retiring seven of the last eight batters he faced.

Toronto manager John Schneider told reporters after Bieber’s start, “He looked really good. We’re taking it a start at a time, but from the stuff, the number of pitches, the velo — it’s really, really encouraging.”

Breakfast and trivia

It was a short night between the sheets for the Guardians after their 3-2 win over the Mets on Tuesday night. To get ready for Wednesday’s 1:10 p.m. start, let’s keep it simple — plenty of water for hydration, three scrambled eggs, some sharp cheddar cheese sprinkled on top and whole wheat toast with grape jelly.

Now for the Guardians question of the day. Cade Smith recorded his fourth save of the season Tuesday night by retiring the Mets in order in the ninth. When was his last save? See answer below.

Next

Wednesday: RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.33) vs. LHP David Peterson (7-4, 2.83) at 1:10 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, MLB Network, WTAM 1100 and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the game.

Thursday: The Guardians are off before opening a three-game weekend series in Chicago against the White Sox.

Friday: RHP Tanner Bibee (7-9, 4.51) vs. RHP Aaron Civale (3-6, 3.99) at 7:40 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100 and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the game.

Saturday: LHP Joey Cantillo (2-2, 4.37) vs. RHP Sean Burke (4-8, 4.23) at 7:10 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100 and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the game.

Sunday: RHP Slade Cecconi (5-4, 3.72) vs. RHP Davis Martin (3-8, 3.84) at 2:10 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100 and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the game.

Monday: The Guardians have an off day.

Tuesday: The Marlins visit Progressive Field to start a three-game series.

Trivia answer

Cade Smith’s last save before Tuesday night was on April 26 in the first game of a doubleheader against Boston.

One more thing about Smith. The 6-5 right-hander, according to Elias Sports Bureau, has not allowed a home run in his last 207 meetings with a right-handed batter. It is the longest active streak in the big leagues for right-handers vs. right-hander hitters.

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