Cease Dominates with Three Strikeouts, Yields Homer in Blue Jays Spring Debut
Dylan Cease made his much-anticipated debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, facing off against the Philadelphia Phillies in Dunedin, Florida. This appearance marked his first game as a Blue Jay, following his significant off-season move.
Cease’s Performance
During the 1.2 innings he pitched, Cease allowed one earned run. This came from a solo home run hit by Bryan De La Cruz. Despite yielding just one hit, Cease made a strong impression with three strikeouts, including notable hitters Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
Key Statistics
- Fastball Average: 97.4 mph
- Max Fastball Speed: 98.9 mph
- Pitches Thrown: 33
- Strikeouts: 3
- Earned Runs: 1
- Hits Allowed: 1
- Walks: 1
Contract Details
Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays early in the off-season. His previous tenure was with the San Diego Padres, where he recorded an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA over 32 starts. He has consistently struck out over 200 batters for five consecutive seasons, showcasing his reliability as a strikeout pitcher.
Career Highlights
Originally from Milton, Georgia, Cease has a notable MLB career that includes five seasons with the Chicago White Sox. In 2022, he finished second in the American League Cy Young voting, achieving a remarkable 2.20 ERA and 227 strikeouts.
Overall Career Statistics
Throughout his career, Cease has maintained a regular-season ERA of 3.88 across 188 starts. His track record of performance promises to be a vital asset for the Blue Jays as the season progresses.
