Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease to miss next start due to shoulder fatigue

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease will sit out his upcoming start due to shoulder fatigue, manager John Schneider disclosed on Sunday. Cease had an MRI examination on Saturday, and the team is awaiting the results to assess his condition. Although the organization is not dismissing the possibility of Cease making a start against the Cincinnati Reds in the season's final series, it appears highly unlikely at this point.

The ace has been struggling throughout September, facing control issues and a considerable drop in velocity. In his most recent outing on Friday, Cease only managed to pitch 2.2 innings, surrendering three hits, four runs (one earned), six walks, and striking out three. His fastball was also notably slower, clocking in at 93.6 m.p.h., 3.2 m.p.h. below his season average of 96.8.

Despite this disappointing month, Cease still maintains a solid ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.10, along with an AL-leading 239 strikeouts in 29 starts. The Blue Jays' rotation is already weakened, as Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage are both unavailable. However, Yesavage is set to pitch in the series opener against the Orioles on Monday.

Toronto hopes to secure at least one win against the Texas Rangers in the series finale on Sunday (2:35 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+). The Blue Jays currently trail the Chicago White Sox by 3.0 games in the race for the final wild card spot.