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Blue Jays GDB -140.0: Shane Bieber makes his third start hoping to secure series over Reds
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Photo credit: © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Tyson Shushkewich
Sep 3, 2025, 17:43 EDT
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It’s a Shane Bieber bump day for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the right-hander will be looking to salvage a win against a pesky Cincinnati Reds squad.
The Reds took the first game in the series when the Jays’ bullpen couldn’t hold off the bats, and the Blue Jays bounced back to take the second contest, an absolute slugfest that saw over 21 runs cross home plate for both sides.
Bieber will be making his third start under the Jays banner, and the veteran hurler has been impressive so far. He’s allowed just seven hits and three earned runs through 11 1/3 innings and owns a 1-1 record (thanks again in part to the bullpen). He’s struck out 15 batters and walked zero to the tune of a 3.05 FIP and a 2.38 ERA. Bieber also owns a 0.618 WHIP.
This will be his first start under regular rest, which pushed southpaw Eric Lauer to the bullpen for the time being. The Jays opted to have Bieber start here in Cincinnati versus on the road in New York this weekend.
Opposite Bieber this evening will be former Rays starter Zack Littell.
Littell was acquired by the Reds at the trade deadline and has pitched to mixed results with his new squad. Through five outings and 27 2/3 innings, he owns a 3.90 ERA and a 4.15 FIP, allowing 12 earned runs. He’s allowed three or more earned runs in three of his starts with the Reds, but also has two starts with one earned run through six or more innings under his belt.
The Jays faced Littell back on May 15th, and he went 7 1/3 innings with eight hits, three earned runs (all homers) and one walk in the eventual 8-3 win for Tampa Bay.
Lineup-wise, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gets a day in the DH spot, which pushes George Springer to left field. Ty France will play first base while Addison Barger slots in at right field with a right-hander on the mound.
Location: Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati, Ohio
First Pitch: 6:40 PM EST
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Starting Pitchers

Toronto Blue Jays – Shane Bieber: 1-1 record, 2.38 ERA, 11 1/3 IP, 15 SO, 0 BB
Cincinnati Reds – Zack Littell: 9-8 record, 3.63 ERA, 161 IP, 110 SO, 27 BB

Lineups:

Blue Jays:
  1. George Springer – LF
  2. Addison Barger – RF
  3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – DH
  4. Bo Bichette – SS
  5. Daulton Varsho – CF
  6. Alejandro Kirk – C
  7. Ty France – 1B
  8. Andres Gimenez – 2B
  9. Ernie Clement – 3B
Reds:
  1. TJ Friedl – CF
  2. Noelvi Marte – RF
  3. Elly De La Cruz – SS
  4. Austin Hays – LF
  5. Gavin Lux – DH
  6. Spencer Steer – DH
  7. Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
  8. Jose Trevino – C
  9. Matt McLain – 2B

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