Cease records 3 strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings in much-anticipated spring training debut with Blue Jays

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:11 PM CST Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Dylan Cease gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings and recorded three strikeouts in his spring training debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday in a 7-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/02/2026 (194 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was a much-anticipated debut for Cease, who came to Toronto on a $210 million, seven-year contract.

Cease struck out Phillies stars Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the first inning. He was relieved by Jesse Hahn after giving up a solo homer to Bryan De La Cruz with two outs in the second.

The 30-year-old Cease signed with the Blue Jays following two seasons with San Diego. The right-hander was 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 2025 and 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA in 2024. Cease has a 3.88 ERA and is 65-58 in seven seasons, including five with the Chicago White Sox.

Josh Rivera hit a two-run homer in a four-run sixth inning to give Toronto its first lead in the game.

RJ Schreck, who scored on the Rivera homer, stole home in the seventh, completing the scoring. Schreck also made a tumbling catch on the warning track in right field to end the game.

Andrés Giménez and Alejandro Kirk also drove in runs for Toronto.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb