The Toronto Blue Jays are moving closer to full health after an injury-plagued start to the season.
Manager John Schneider gave status updates on four key players on Tuesday before the Blue Jays' game against the Boston Red Sox.
Bieber will take the mound for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday and aim to throw 75 pitches, per Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.
The 31-year-old right-hander is then expected to meet up with the Blue Jays during their six-game road trip to throw his side session. Next steps will be decided after that.
Bieber has yet to make an appearance for Toronto this season after he entered the year dealing with forearm fatigue and was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. He was acquired by Toronto at the trade deadline last season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. He made seven regular-season starts for Toronto, striking out 37 and posting a 3.57 ERA over 40.1 innings.
Garcia pitched on Tuesday for the Bisons. He struck out all three batters he faced, his fastball sat 94.4 m.p.h., topped out at 96.6 m.p.h. and Charlotte Knights hitters whiffed on all five swings against him.
He'll now join the Blue Jays in Boston to determine next steps. The right-handed reliever has been sidelined all season as he recovers from right elbow surgery.
Schneider said that Barger (elbow) is now hitting off a Trajekt pitching machine and has increased his throwing program to 150 feet.
Schneider said the team hopes he can begin a rehab assignment later in the week. Barger hasn't suited up for Toronto since early May.
Varsho (wrist) resumed hitting on Tuesday and will continue to ramp up over the next few days to evaluate next steps.
Varsho was sidelined with wrist inflammation following last Tuesday's win against the Philadelphia Phillies after first trying to play through it. He was placed on the IL retroactive to June 10.
The 34-38 Blue Jays start a three-game road series against the Red Sox on Tuesday before visiting the Chicago Cubs.
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