Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease avoided serious injury after an MRI revealed only inflammation in his right shoulder, sparing him from surgery. The 30‑year‑old, who has been dealing with decreased velocity, said the issue is an inconvenience rather than a panic‑inducing problem. Cease, in the first year of a seven‑year, $210 million contract, posted a 2.40 ERA and leads the AL with 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

While his return this season remains unlikely, the Blue Jays expect him back for 2027. Toronto also faces other injuries: star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) and rookie outfielder Brett Bateman (sliding injury) were both sidelined. Bateman’s X‑rays were negative, and the team remains three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the final AL wild‑card spot.

Starting pitcher Trey Yesavage was limited to two innings after returning from knee inflammation. The Associated Press contributed to the report.