Padres manager Mike Shildt said Tuesday that the CT scans Cease (head) received Monday came back negative, per 97.3 The Fan.

EDGE Analysis

Cease was struck in the back of the head by a comebacker off the bat of Francisco Lindor in the third inning during Monday's win, though the ball first hopped off the ground. The veteran hurler remained in the game until the bottom of the fifth inning, and his departure didn't seem to be related to the earlier incident. Nonetheless, Cease underwent precautionary CT scans after the contest, and Shildt indicated that testing revealed no swelling or bleeding or other issues aside from some discomfort. It thus seems likely that Cease will be able to take his next turn in the rotation, which is tentatively scheduled for this weekend against St. Louis.

Cease is receiving a CT scan on his head after being hit on a bounce by a comebacker in the third inning of Monday's game against the Mets, Marty Caswell of The Sporting Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease ended up on the ground after a ball hit by Francisco Lindor bounced and then struck the hurler on the back of the head in the third frame. The right-hander was checked on by trainers but stayed in the game, and he struck out the next two batters he faced. Cease ultimately departed the contest after 4.2 innings, but his departure seemed to be a result of the grand slam he gave up to the final batter he faced rather than a consequence of the hit to the head. Nonetheless, Cease is getting a CT scan to check for any issues, and the results of the testing should provide insight about whether he's in danger of missing his next start.

Cease allowed five runs on five hits and five walks with nine strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

As usual, Cease looked dominant at times, racking up 13 whiffs and nine punchouts despite completing less than five innings. However, the righty couldn't sustain a strong opening four frames -- he loaded the bases in the fifth and then gave up a two-out grand slam to Mark Vientos. This was the third time in Cease's past five starts that he's surrendered four or more earned runs, and his ERA sits at a below-average 4.79 on the season. He ranks fourth in the majors with 153 strikeouts but has also posted a 3.57 BB/9, seventh-highest among qualified pitchers.

Cease (3-10) took the loss against the Marlins on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts over five innings.

EDGE Analysis

Cease allowed a run in the first inning and a two-run homer in the fifth that ultimately saddled him with the loss. The 29-year-old threw just 56 of 95 pitches for strikes but has now turned in back-to-back solid starts after giving up 10 earned runs across his first two July outings. He'll carry a 4.59 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 144:42 K:BB over 113.2 innings into a home matchup with the Mets next week.

Cease did not factor into the decision in Friday's win against the Nationals, dealing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Cease bounced back in dominant fashion Friday, silencing the Nationals into the sixth inning while racking up double-digit strikeouts for the third time this season. The right-hander had been in a rough patch leading up to this start, posting a 6.51 ERA over 27.2 innings in his previous five appearances. While consistency has eluded the 29-year-old ace at times this year, his ability to miss bats remains intact, as he's now tallied 139 strikeouts across 108.2 innings. Cease will look to build on this performance when he takes the mound against the Marlins next week.

Cease (3-9) allowed six runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over six innings in a loss against Arizona on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cease continues to flash impressive stuff with poor results -- he racked up 16 whiffs and eight strikeouts but allowed three long balls and six runs. The right-handed has now given up multiple home runs in three consecutive starts, yielding 14 runs (13 earned) across 16 innings during that stretch. Cease is tied for sixth in the league with 129 punchouts on the season, but he's also posted a poor 4.88 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 3-9 record.

Cease (3-8) took the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Phillies, giving up four runs on eight hits over six innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Homers by Max Kepler in the fourth inning and Brandon Marsh in the fifth accounted for most of the damage off Cease. It was the first time this season the right-hander didn't issue any free passes, but the third time he served up multiple long balls, including each of his last two starts. Cease will take a 4.62 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 121:36 K:BB through 97.1 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come early next week against the Diamondbacks.

Cease (3-7) took the loss Friday against the Reds, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks in four innings. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

Cease was able to rack up a whopping 20 whiffs on the evening, but he walked at least three for the fourth time in his last five starts. The 29-year-old right-hander had done a great job of keeping the ball in the yard of late, as he conceded just one home run in his prior six outings to Friday, but he matched a season high with two homers allowed against Cincinnati. Cease will bring a 4.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 117:36 K:BB over 91.1 innings into his next appearance, which is projected to come on the road against a formidable Phillies lineup.

Cease (3-6) allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out four over 6.2 innings to earn the win over the Royals on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Cease limited the damage to an RBI double by John Rave in the third inning. This was Cease's second quality start over four outings in June, and he's allowed 10 runs with a 31:12 K:BB across 23.2 innings this month. He's now at a 4.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 109:33 K:BB through 87.1 innings through 16 starts this season. The 29-year-old right-hander is projected to make his next start at Cincinnati.

Cease (2-6) took the loss against the Dodgers on Monday, allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out nine batters over five innings.

EDGE Analysis

Cease began his outing on fire, striking out the first five batters he faced. However, the right-hander gave up a run in the third on a pair of Dodgers doubles. San Diego reclaimed a one-run lead in the top of the fourth, but Cease couldn't hold it long -- he gave up six knocks (five of which were singles) and hit a batter in the fourth frame as Los Angeles emerged with five runs. There was lots to like about Cease's outing -- he notched nine punchouts and 15 whiffs -- but the veteran pitcher continues to be an enigma. He has an excellent 47:12 K:BB over 33.2 innings across his past six starts, but he's also gone 1-4 during that stretch while posting a mediocre 4.81 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.