Blue Jays' Dylan Cease dealing with shoulder fatigue amid struggles

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blue Jays' Dylan Cease dealing with shoulder fatigue amid struggles

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 20, 2026 1:59 PM ET

Dylan Cease has been dealing with shoulder fatigue amid an uncharacteristic dip in velocity and loss of command, leading to a high walk rate in recent starts.

Cease will miss his next start for the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday after getting an MRI on his shoulder on Saturday night. The 30-year-old has been dealing with shoulder fatigue for weeks, which seems to explain the decline in his performance. Once the Blue Jays receive the results from his MRI, they can plan accordingly.

Cease will meet with the Blue Jays when they face the Orioles in Baltimore on Monday. While manager John Schneider is not ruling him out to start in final series of the season against the Cincinnati Reds, it may be wise for the Blue Jays to shut him down for the season.

Cease is sporting an 11-6 and 2.40 ERA with 239 strikeouts. His recent performance has allowed Cam Schlittler to become the clear favorite for the AL Cy Young award.

Dylan Cease won’t make his next start for the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Cease is in Toronto where he got an MRI on his shoulder Saturday night. He's been managing shoulder fatigue for a few weeks.

Blue Jays awaiting MRI results before determining next steps.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) September 20, 2026

Blue Jays may have a tough decision to make with Dylan Cease

In the Blue Jays' 7-1 loss on Friday, Cease only pitched 2 and 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, four runs (one earned) with three strikeouts and a season-high six walks. In his previous start on Sept. 13 against Baltimore, while he picked up the win, he recorded nine strikeouts but walked five batters.

Cease struggled with command early in that game but was able to escape the first inning with no runs surrendered after loading the bases. He followed by striking out the next three batters. But the increase in walks and struggles with commanding the zone were red flags for the ace.

The Blue Jays only have seven games left and sit three games back of a final AL wild-card spot. While they still have a chance to clinch the postseason, the odds have significantly lowered as they have lost the first two games of a critical series against the Texas Rangers.

While Cease has been a reliable force in the Blue Jays' taxed rotation, he shouldn't be rushed back. Having him rest and be healthy for next season is more significant, especially depending on the severity of his injury.

While the Blue Jays' postseason hopes are on thin ice, the last thing they want is for Cease to return and face an injury setback. If the team does make the postseason, resting him now would also provide them with a well-rested arm in the rotation.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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