Blue Jays manager John Schneider grinned wide and proclaimed himself a diehard fan. “I’ve got Bieber Fever,” he said, proudly. “I’m a believer.”

The Toronto Blue Jays believe consistent strong play is why they are in first place in the American League East after going 74-88 last season.

After seven dominant rehab starts, a 1.86 ERA and 11.9 K/9, Bieber made his return to the majors and debut for the Blue Jays on Friday. On the road against the Miami Marlins, the 30-year-old flew threw six innings, allowing just two hits, one run and struck out nine. Along with zero walks, it was a return to vintage Bieber.

Lauer is expected to start next Wednesday's game against Minnesota, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates got into a strange scuffle on Monday night, with outfielder Tommy Pham at its center.

John Schneider talks about Shane Bieber's strong return to the mound, Daulton Varsho's two-run homer and more following the Blue Jays' 5-2 win

On July 31, the Toronto Blue Jays surprised many by acquiring Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians, giving up prospect Khal Stephens in the deal.

Springer was hit by a pitch in the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, perhaps as restitution for the two teams' bench-clearing incident on Monday. Instead of escalating the situation, Springer simply waited a couple of innings, then launched a home run off pitcher Mitch Keller his next time up.

The Toronto Blue Jays are skipping Eric Lauer's spot in the rotation for their weekend series against the Miami Marlins, but manager John Schneider is adamant that it is not a permanent demotion for the lefty.