MIAMI — Shane Bieber struck out 9 over six innings of one-run ball in his Toronto debut and return from a 16-month absence because the Blue Jays beat the Miami Marlins 5-2 on Friday night time.
Daulton Varsho homered, doubled and drove in three runs, whereas Ty France had two hits and two RBIs for the AL East-leading Blue Jays.
Bieber (1-0) allowed two hits and hit a batter in his 87-pitch outing. He retired 12 straight after permitting Javier Sanoja’s homer within the second inning.
It was Bieber’s first look since April 2, 2024, when he skilled elbow discomfort and subsequently underwent Tommy John surgical procedure.
The Blue Jays acquired the 2020 AL Cy Younger Award winner from the Cleveland Guardians on July 31. Bieber had 4 rehab outings with the Guardians earlier than the commerce and three since becoming a member of the Blue Jays.
Varsho hit an RBI double and scored on Frances’ two-run single off Marlins starter Ryan Gusto (7-6) to place Toronto forward 3-0 within the first.
The Blue Jays elevated their result in 5-1 on Varsho’s two-run homer within the sixth. Varsho’s 423-foot drive landed within the right-center discipline seats.
Miami acquired inside 5-2 on Maximo Acosta’s solo homer towards reliever Yariel Rodríguez within the eighth.
Brendon Little acquired the final two outs after Acosta’s homer and Jeff Hoffman pitched the ninth for his twenty eighth save.
Gusto gave up 5 runs and 7 hits in his dwelling debut for the Marlins, who acquired the right-hander from Houston on July 31.
Key second
Alejandro Kirk hit a two-out single that prolonged the sixth earlier than Varsho’s homer.
Key stat
Bo Bichette doubled within the first to provide him an AL-leading 158 hits.
Up subsequent
RHP José Berríos (9-5, 4.00 ERA) will begin for the Blue Jays on Saturday towards Marlins’ RHP Janson Junk (6-2, 4.04).