Toronto's Dylan Cease to Face Tampa Bay in Back-to-Back Pitching Battle
Daniel Levett, a baseball expert at CBS Sports - Headlines, writes that any time a pitcher throws a no-hitter, his next start is worth watching. This month, Toronto's ace Dylan Cease did just that but lost it in the 9th, leading to an interesting matchup with the Rays.
First pitch from Rogers Centre is set for 7:07 p.m ET on Monday. If you are a fan of pitching duels or eager to see ifCease can turn it around after his tough outing against the Giants, now's your chance. The Rays, who have lost five straight games and are deep into a road slump, will be looking for relief.
Dylan Cease’s Pitching Roll
On July 8th in San Francisco, Cease had a no-hitter until the bottom of the ninth, where he surrendered a single to Heliot Ramos. Despite the loss, his recent performance has been impressive. Manager John Schneider allowed him to pitch well into the ninth inning under normal circumstances.
Cease is currently tied as the co-favorite for the Cy Young award at DraftKings (+130) after his outstanding start against San Francisco. However, he showed some fatigue last week and will need to be on top of his game if he wants to overcome the Rays.
Pitcher to Watch: Nick Martinez
On the other side, Nick Martinez is making his first start as a Ray since being acquired from the Cubs. A 35-year-old journeyman right-hander, Martinez has shown surprising staying power this season despite past struggles with Cincinnati.
In the Rays' recent losing streak, Martinez’s effectiveness could tip the balance in their favor. However, the Rays are still reeling from a disappointing road trip, and Cease may be motivated to make amends for his no-hitter that nearly slipped away last month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dylan Cease's recent performance making people more optimistic about him competing for Cy Young?
Cease’s recent roll has definitely increased optimism. After allowing a run and three hits in seven innings, he got lucky when the Giants' Ramos broke his no-no. Now with a career-best 118 pitches, he could be ready to reassert himself as one of the best pitchers.
How are Nick Martinez’s past performances likely influencing Tampa Bay's expectations?
Martinez has been surprisingly effective despite losing more than 14 games last year. His +$948 profit in the majors this season suggests he can provide a significant boost to the Rays if he stays on form.