Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease exited Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to a sore left hamstring in the fifth inning.
Meanwhile, slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left after being struck on the right elbow by a pitch from Mitch Keller.
Cease’s departure followed a visit from Manager John Schneider and head athletic trainer Jose Ministral after he showed signs of discomfort. Lenyn Sosa replaced Guerrero at first base after his injury, raising concerns about the Blue Jays’ already depleted roster.
Performance Before Injuries
Before leaving the game, Cease allowed two runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out eight batters. This marked only the second time in 11 starts this season that he failed to complete five innings.
Cease has been a consistent performer, making at least 30 starts in each of the past five seasons, joining fellow Blue Jays starters José Berríos, Patrick Corbin, and Kevin Gausman in this elite category. He signed a significant seven-year, $210 million contract with the team last December.
Game Context and Team Status
In the game, Horwitz homered on Cease’s first pitch, followed by a leadoff homer from Oneil Cruz that extended the Pirates’ lead to 2-0. The Blue Jays are currently facing a significant injury crisis, with 13 players on the injured list, including starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Berríos, Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, and Max Scherzer.