Cleveland Guardians enter the July 2025 All-Star break eyeing a second-half surge. Get the latest on Shane Bieber's rehab and Steven Kwan's take on the reset.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Deep breaths, Cleveland. After a first half that felt like a 72-game rollercoaster, the All-Star break offers a much-needed pause. While no games are being played today, the news cycle is anything but quiet. The Guardians are regrouping, healing up, and plotting a course for a massive second half, with the biggest news dropping today: Shane Bieber is officially on the comeback trail.
To be able to go into the break on a positive note instead of a negative note, I think it's gonna be huge.
Let's be honest, it was a tale of two seasons packed into one half. The Guardians limped into July on a brutal 10-game losing streak from June 26 to July 6 that tested the resolve of both the team and the fanbase. But just when things looked bleakest, they flipped a switch. A crucial 6-1 road trip against the Astros and White Sox completely changed the narrative, allowing the team to enter the break with a 37-35 record and a renewed sense of confidence. As left fielder Steven Kwan perfectly put it, that late surge was critical. 'Momentum is huge with baseball,' he said. 'I think a lot of guys needed this break -- mentally and physically.'
The single biggest piece of news to drop during this quiet break is the one fans have been waiting for. On Wednesday, the Guardians officially sent ace Shane Bieber on a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Guardians. While it's just the first step in a long process following his right elbow surgery, which has kept him on the injured list since March, it's a monumental one. A healthy and effective Bieber in the rotation for the stretch run could be the most significant 'acquisition' the team makes all year. His return would not only bolster the pitching staff but provide an emotional and psychological lift for the entire clubhouse.
If the recent losing streak made you forget, the team's social media crew is here with a reminder. The Guardians dropped a fantastic highlight reel today, showcasing the best moments from the first half. From clutch hits and walk-off wins to the stellar performances of players like Steven Kwan and the emerging Tanner Bibee, the video is a celebration of the team's resilience. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a tough stretch and a great way to get hyped for what's to come.
So as the players rest up, the front office has given fans plenty to chew on. The combination of ending the first half with a bang and the tangible progress of Shane Bieber's recovery sets a hopeful tone for the final stretch. The journey resumes this Friday at home against the Oakland Athletics. With momentum on their side and their ace on the mend, the Guardians are poised to make the second half of 2025 an unforgettable ride.
