Blue Jays lose starter Dylan Cease and slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to injuries

Toronto right‑hander Dylan Cease was placed on the 15‑day injured list with a left hamstring strain after exiting the fifth inning of a 4‑1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cease had a 3‑3 record and a 3.05 ERA this season and was a key part of Toronto’s rotation following a $210 million contract. In the same game, first‑base star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left after being struck on the right elbow by a pitch, receiving a contusion; X‑rays showed no fracture.

The injuries add to a growing list of Blue Jays players on the IL, which now includes 13 names such as Nathan Lukes (activated from the list), Alejandro Kirk, Addison Barger, and several starting pitchers. The team entered the game with a 25‑28 record, third in the American League East. Management noted the challenge of covering Cease’s scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles and the limited depth at first base if Guerrero remains sidelined.

The club is evaluating replacements from Triple‑A Buffalo and minor‑league prospects to fill the rotation and lineup gaps while hoping the injuries are short‑term.