Bieber has 3rd-most Ks through opening 3 games of an MLB season
Cleveland Indians right-hander Shane Bieber continues to dominate in 2020.
With eight strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, Bieber brought his season total to 35, the third-most by any pitcher through his first three games of an MLB season dating back to 1893.
Based on the players ahead of him on that list, Bieber's in pretty good company:
Shane Bieber is missing bats. pic.twitter.com/boPYylBfAV
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 5, 2020
The 25-year-old looked as though he would set a new record in the early stages of Tuesday's contest. He struck out five over the first two innings but was limited to only three more through the following 5 2/3 frames.
Still, the All-Star hurler has shown a knack for making opposing hitters look foolish.
Shane Bieber, Wicked 85mph Knuckle Curve. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/C0xygEjx1w
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 5, 2020
Bieber has built an early case for the 2020 AL Cy Young Award through three outings. He owns a 0.83 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings (14.54 K/9).