Full Breakdown
Blue Jays Lose Pitcher and Slugger to Injuries in 4-1 Defeat
5/25/2026, 2:48:16 AM
Early Exits in Loss to Pirates
On May 24, Toronto’s right-hander Dylan Cease left in the fifth inning with “mild left hamstring discomfort.” First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited in the bottom half after Mitch Keller’s pitch struck his right elbow, resulting in a contusion. The Pirates led 2-1 when Cease departed; Toronto fell 4-1. Cease logged 4 2/3 innings, yielding two runs on four hits, striking out eight and walking one. Guerrero walked twice, scored once, then was replaced by Lenyn Sosa.
Injury Toll on Toronto
The Blue Jays now carry 13 players on the injured list, among them starters Shane Bieber (elbow), José Berríos (elbow), Bowden Francis (elbow), Cody Ponce (right knee) and Max Scherzer (forearm). The cumulative absences strain the rotation and limit bench depth. The 13-player IL includes a mix of starters and relievers, stretching the depth of the pitching staff.
Key Players Affected
Dylan Cease, a right-hander who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract in December, has made at least 30 starts in each of the past five seasons, joining only José Berríos, Patrick Corbin and Kevin Gausman in that durability group. Cease’s durability is notable; he has logged at least 30 starts in each of the past five seasons, a feat matched only by fellow Blue Jays starters José Berríos, Patrick Corbin and Kevin Gausman. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto’s leading slugger and left-handed first baseman, suffered a non-fracture elbow contusion; X-rays were negative.
Official Response
Manager John Schneider said Guerrero reported numbness in his arm and hand after the hit and that the team would assess his condition overnight, hoping for a possible Monday return against Miami. Schneider confirmed Cease will undergo an MRI and be evaluated over the next few days before deciding on his next start. Both players were described as “very, very valuable” to the club.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's sore, obviously, but I think it was probably best possible news,” — John Schneider, manager
- “Just see how he is the next couple of days, and just hoping for good news. He's obviously very, very valuable to us, so we'll make the decision in the next couple of days.” — John Schneider, manager
- “He said he wants to make his next start,” — John Schneider, manager
- “Just see how he is the next couple of days, and just hoping for good news.” — John Schneider, manager
What’s Next for Toronto
The club will re-examine Guerrero’s elbow overnight with a target Monday debut against the Miami Marlins. Cease’s MRI results are expected within 48 hours; his return will be decided after the evaluation. If Guerrero returns as hoped, his bat could help the Jays rebound in the upcoming series against the Marlins. The depth of the roster will be tested as the Jays navigate upcoming series while coping with a 13-player injury list.
