Cease's Struggles Dim Blue Jays' Playoff Hopes Against Rangers

WHO:

MLB.com - Trey Yesavage is expected to return to the Blue Jays as soon as "Sunday or Monday."

MLB.com - Shane Bieber is scheduled to throw off the mound on Saturday.

MLB.com - Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher

MLB.com - John Schneider, Blue Jays manager

MLB.com - Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays right-hander

MLB.com - Shane Bieber, Blue Jays pitcher

Sportskeeda - Cam Schlittler, referenced by fans

WHAT:

MLB.com - Yesavage threw a side session of around 30 pitches, which went well according to manager John Schneider.

MLB.com - Yesavage made a rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo, allowing two runs (one earned) while throwing 34 pitches without completing the first inning.

MLB.com - Cease entered the game ranked first among qualifying AL pitchers in strikeout rate (35.3%), strikeouts (239), FIP (2.47), and opponents’ batting average (.180), while ranking second with a 2.40 ERA.

MLB.com - Cease allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits, issued a season-high six walks, and struck out a season-low three batters in a game against the Rangers.

MLB.com - The Blue Jays lost 7-1 to the Rangers.

MLB.com - Cease threw 74 pitches, with only 36 for strikes.

MLB.com - Yesavage is 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts over 93 2/3 innings this season.

Sportskeeda - Fans dismissed Cease's chances for the Cy Young Award after his performance.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas

WHEN:

MLB.com - Yesavage is expected to return as soon as "Sunday or Monday."

MLB.com - Yesavage underwent surgery on "Aug. 11" to repair the meniscus in his left knee.

MLB.com - Cease's fastball averaged 93.6 mph in the game, down from his season average of 96.9 mph.

WHY:

MLB.com - The Blue Jays are two games back of the Guardians (78-75) for the final AL Wild Card spot.

MLB.com - The Blue Jays are two games out of the third AL Wild Card spot with eight games remaining, making the loss critical for their postseason hopes.

MLB.com - Cease's struggles are attributed to a concerning dip in his fastball velocity.

HOW:

MLB.com - The Rangers are currently tied with the Astros in the American League West at 77-77, though the Astros hold the tiebreaker.

MLB.com - Cease's command deserted him, leading to multiple walks and a high pitch count.

Trey Yesavage is expected to return to the Blue Jays as soon as Sunday or Monday after a successful side session of around 30 pitches, according to manager John Schneider. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber is scheduled to throw off the mound on Saturday, as the Blue Jays find themselves two games back of the Guardians for the final AL Wild Card spot. In the American League West, the Rangers are currently tied with the Astros at 77 wins and 77 losses, although the Astros hold the tiebreaker.