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.”

Shane Bieber was always the acquisition that would define the Toronto Blue Jays’ trade deadline. The Jays patched holes with three other moves ahead of July 31, acquiring relievers, catching depth and a right-handed bat. But Bieber was the big swing — an admitted gamble on a ceiling-raising talent.

Shane Bieber pitched in his first big-league game since April 2, 2024 on Friday night, taking on the Miami Marlins in what doubled as his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran-right-hander rose to occasion -- and then some -- as he did the heavy lifting in a 5-2 Toronto win: