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Toronto Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease sets franchise record through first three starts


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Nelson Anderson
April 8, 2026  (9:51 PM)
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Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Rogers Centre.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease Sets Franchise Record in First Three Starts

When the Toronto Blue Jays invested $210 million over 7-years in right-hander Dylan Cease, expectations were sky-high.
So far, the pitcher has delivered on those hopes.
Cease has already etched his name in Blue Jays history, setting a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a player’s first three starts with the team.
Most strikeouts in first 3 games with #BlueJays...

Dylan Cease (2026): 26
David Price (2015): 24
Cory Lidle (2003): 23
Kevin Gausman (2022): 22
Shane Bieber (2025): 21

#BLUEJAYS50

Cease looked good against Dodgers batters that know him very well

While command remains a work in progress, he has issued nine walks over 14.2 innings, Cease has balanced that with 26 strikeouts, limiting the potential damage.
Wednesday’s outing against the Dodgers didn’t result in a decision for Cease, but he still impressed.
Dylan Cease punches out Shohei Ohtani with a 99.4 mph heater. 🔥🔥🔥 The old power vs power showdown, with Cease -- who has 5 Ks thru 3.0 IP -- winning the latest tilt. #BlueJays
Over five innings, he allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks while fanning eight batters.
The start carried extra significance, coming against the Dodgers, who bested the Blue Jays in last year’s seven-game World Series.
Cease was part of Toronto’s effort to take the next step toward a championship, and his performance so far has been promising.
Cease has introduced a sharp new changeup to his arsenal, baffling hitters and reinforcing his reputation as a frontline starter.
His strong outings have contributed directly to Toronto’s success, including the series finale win over Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Through three starts, Cease boasts a 2.45 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. Next, he’ll aim for his first win of the season, with a scheduled start next week in Milwaukee against the Brewers.
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Toronto Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease sets franchise record through first three starts

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