Blue Jays potentially avoid disaster after Dylan Cease, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leave game
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- During Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease left the game in the fifth inning due to mild left hamstring discomfort, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited after being hit on the right elbow.
- Initial tests for Cease were positive, with no significant strain or arm injury detected, though he will undergo an MRI for further evaluation; Guerrero’s X-rays were negative for fracture, and he was diagnosed with a right elbow contusion.
- Both players may be able to return soon, with Guerrero possibly playing Monday and Cease aiming to make his next start, providing some relief to a Blue Jays team already dealing with multiple injuries.
- The Blue Jays currently have 10 players on the injured list, including key contributors like Alejandro Kirk and Shane Bieber, complicating depth in both pitching and lineup options.
- If Guerrero or Cease miss time, the team may rely on players like Kazuma Okamoto, Charles McAdoo, Eloy Jiménez, or Triple-A pitching prospects CJ Van Eyk or Chad Dallas to fill gaps.