Cease Impresses in Spring Debut, De La Cruz Connects for Phillies
Dylan Cease, the Blue Jays’ newest acquisition, made a strong first impression in spring training, showcasing velocity and command against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. While Cease looked sharp, Phillies outfielder Bryan De La Cruz hit a home run in the game.
Cease’s Promising Start
Cease recorded five outs, striking out three – including Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper – and allowing just one walk. He sat in the mid-90s with his fastball, even reaching 98 mph. The outing was deemed “ideal” by Cease himself, focusing on building up for the season and ensuring proper mechanics.
The Blue Jays invested heavily in Cease, signing him to a seven-year, $210 million contract in November, the largest free-agent commitment in team history. He previously pitched for the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox, maintaining a career ERA of 3.88.
De La Cruz Powers Phillies
Despite Cease’s strong showing, Bryan De La Cruz connected for a home run to center field, a 432-foot shot that put the Phillies ahead early. The Phillies later added another run, but the Blue Jays ultimately won the game 7-5, sealed by a catch from RJ Schreck.
De La Cruz signed a minor league contract with the Phillies in November, receiving an invitation to spring training. He has previously played for the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Atlanta Braves.
Blue Jays Rotation Depth
Cease joins a deep Blue Jays rotation that includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer. The team is hoping his addition will provide a significant boost to their pitching staff.
Split-Squad Action: Berrios Shines
In a separate split-squad game, Jose Berrios pitched four scoreless innings against the Fresh York Yankees. Although, the Blue Jays lost that game 5-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is Dylan Cease’s contract worth?
A: Dylan Cease’s contract with the Blue Jays is worth $210 million over seven years.
Q: What teams has Bryan De La Cruz played for?
A: Bryan De La Cruz has played for the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, and now the Philadelphia Phillies.
Q: How many strikeouts did Dylan Cease record in his spring training debut?
A: Dylan Cease recorded three strikeouts in his spring training debut, including Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
Q: How far did Bryan De La Cruz’s home run travel?
A: Bryan De La Cruz’s home run traveled 432 feet.
Pro Tip: Spring training games offer a valuable first look at player performance and team dynamics, but it’s key to remember that they are primarily for development and evaluation.
Stay tuned for more spring training updates as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Explore our other articles for in-depth analysis and insights into your favorite teams and players.
