The right-hander, who is battling shoulder inflammation, is now in the injured list.
After getting eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays officially placed right-hander Dylan Cease on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Let's go back a little bit and catch up on the story here:
1) Over the last few weeks, Cease's velocity has been down. We noticed this in person we covered his Aug. 28 start against the Seattle Mariners. He was routinely 92-94 with his fastball, though he was able to bump it up to 95 when he really needed to.
2) On Friday night, Cease lasted just 2.2 innings against the Texas Rangers, giving up four earned earned runs and walking six. His velocity was once again down.
3) We learned on Sunday that Cease was not going to start on Wednesday against the Orioles, even though the Blue Jays were still in the playoff race. He was getting a shoulder MRI that eventually came back as shoulder inflammation.
4) Even though Cease hads inflammation, there was still a chance he could pitch this weekend against the Cincinnati Reds if the games meant something. At least, that was the idea that was presented.
5) With the Jays no longer in contention, it makes sense to shut him down and ready for spring training.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) in the dugout during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesThe big question
Obviously, the big question on everybody's mind is what does spring training look like in 2027? With the labor stoppage expected on Dec. 2, it seems likely that the sport will go into a winter freeze via lockout.
That freeze could affect spring training in February, and once the lockout goes into affect, team doctors will not be able to communicate with players.
So, if Cease needs any treatment or rehab or any recovery plans, he needs to stay on top of those things between now and Dec. 2. I'm sure he will, but it's just important to note that players can't talk with team doctors then.
Cease as a whole
Signed to a seven-year deal worth $210 million, Cease pitched brilliantly in his first season with the Blue Jays. He went 11-6 with a 2.40 ERA in 29 starts, striking out 239 in 169.0 innings. He made his first career All-Star Game, earning the start for the American League. He led the American League in hits/9, homers/9 and strikeouts/9.
He profiles as the ace of the Blue Jays staff for the next several years and will work to get the Jays back into the playoffs in 2027.
