Dylan Cease Faces Pressure After Career-High Nine Runs Allowed in Sacrificed Start

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dylan Cease is seeking to turn around his performance after a challenging start in Sacramento on April 14, where he surrendered a career-high nine runs against the opposition. Unable to find his rhythm, Cease allowed six runs in the first inning and fell further behind as the game progressed, wrapping up with just four innings pitched in the 9-4 loss.

“You can’t shave if you’re on a good stretch,” Cease quipped after the game, reflecting on his decision to go clean-shaven ahead of his next appearance. He struck out four batters, walked three, and surrendered nine hits, matching his third-highest total in 159 career starts.

Three days later, a notably clean-shaven Cease returned to the clubhouse, greeted by laughter from teammates adjusting to his new look. “Everyone just laughed for the first 20 minutes,” he said. “I think everyone’s getting used to it now.”

Following the rough outing, Cease emphasized the importance of refocusing his mechanics during a bullpen session with pitching coach Ruben Niebla. He stated, “I don’t want to get into too many details, but there was some mechanical stuff, some different areas of things that needed to be worked on.” He aims to stay aggressive while making necessary adjustments.

Regarding his facial hair, Cease remains undecided about future styles. “I just knew I wanted to go clean-shaven at some point,” he explained, hinting that he might return to a mustache in the future.

The Padres also faced changes as center fielder Brandon Lockridge was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Connor Joe was called up from Triple-A El Paso to fill the roster gap, with Tyler Wade taking the position in Monday’s game against the Cubs.

Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed Lockridge’s injury was significant enough to warrant immediate action, but he remains confident in his team’s depth. “(Tatis) looks really good in right field,” Shildt said of Fernando Tatis Jr., noting his prowess as a defensive player.

Tatis, however, is content in his current position and was not interested in shifting to center field, emphasizing his comfort and performance as a right fielder. “I won a Platinum Glove in right field. That speaks for itself,” Tatis said.

Wade, who has minimal experience in center field compared to his main position as a shortstop, stepped in for the role against Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon. Meanwhile, Joe expressed excitement about joining the Padres after a wait due to roster decisions. “That was a tough one,” Joe remarked, appreciating the support from his local fans.

On a lighter note, players and staff were unfazed by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the area Monday. Shildt noted that he assumed the disturbance was just an issue with the building, while Tatis described his mother’s startled reaction, which ultimately didn’t disrupt players’ routines.

Alek Jacob, a Spokane, Wash. native, experienced the quake differently. “It can be only one thing, right?” Jacob said. The earthquake served as a reminder for him, having grown up hearing about the potential for a big one along the Pacific coast.