The Toronto Blue Jays' injury woes continue as right-hander Dylan Cease was placed on the 10-day injured list with a mild hamstring strain, the team announced Monday. Cease, one of the most durable starters in the rotation, exited Sunday's game in the fifth inning and underwent an MRI that revealed the strain.
Cease's absence a major blow
Cease's injury adds to a growing list of sidelined pitchers, including Cody Ponce (out for the season), Shane Bieber (recovering slowly), and Max Scherzer (on the IL). Manager John Schneider acknowledged the challenge, saying, "It's been really weird. You take a step forward and then a couple of steps back." The team now faces a critical stretch of 17 games in 17 days.
Guerrero avoids serious injury
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hit by a pitch on the elbow Sunday but X-rays came back negative. He was held out of Monday's lineup against the Marlins due to soreness but is considered day-to-day and could be available off the bench. "He's sore, but we're optimistic it's short-term," Schneider said.
Davis Schneider demoted
With outfielder Nathan Lukes returning from a 28-game absence, the team optioned Davis Schneider to Triple-A Buffalo. Schneider, a fan favorite who played in the World Series last year, has struggled at the plate, hitting just .127. "We need him to get back to doing what he does well," Schneider said.
Rotation plans
The Jays are exploring options in Buffalo to fill Cease's spot, with a starter or bulk reliever needed for Friday's game in Baltimore. "We're looking for someone who can provide significant length, at least 70 pitches," Schneider noted. The team hopes Cease's absence will be brief, as he was encouraged by his MRI results.
