Cease allowed one run on six hits and struck out 11 over 5.1 innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Cease cruised in his final tuneup before the regular season, throwing 86 pitches (58 strikes) with a fastball touching the upper 90s. The lone blemish was a solo home run by C.J. Cron in the second inning of what was his best Cactus League start. Cease leaves Arizona with a boost of confidence in preparation to start the fourth game of the season, April 4, against the Angels in Los Angeles. Cease allowed just two runs over 17 innings this spring.

Cease allowed three hits and three walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

This was Cease's second Cactus League outing, but he's thrown simulated games and bullpens, so his pitch count (73 pitches, 45 strikes) is right where it needs to be at this stage of the spring. Despite the free passes allowed, Cease told Scott Merkin of MLB.com that he was pleased with the outing. His fastball topped out at 99 MPH, and he feels the slider was locked in. The right-hander lamented his curveball, but Cease managed to come out of the outing unscathed. Limiting damage with a lot of traffic on the bases is something that should be taken as a positive as Cease prepares for the time when games count.

Cease allowed one hit and struck out two over three scoreless innings in Monday's spring game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

On the day when manager Tony La Russa identified the top three starters in the rotation, Cease solidified his hold on the No. 4 spot with an impressive Cactus League debut. The right-hander worked on fixing his mechanics during the offseason and early in camp, and he was pleased with the outcome. "There's always things that can be improved and worked on," Cease told Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "Threw my stuff in the zone, no walks. Made them put it in play. I'm happy with that. It's definitely encouraging." The young starter, who has drawn raves from coaches and catchers alike during his bullpen sessions this spring, had a 4.01 ERA in 2020, which involved a bit of luck, as Cease had a 6.35 FIP and .242 BABIP.

Cease is the scheduled starter for Monday's game against the Cubs, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease, who threw a live batting practice session on the team's off day Wednesday, will be making his Cactus League debut when he faces the White Sox's crosstown rivals. His spring activity has been limited to bullpen sessions and a three-inning simulated game in which he worked on fixing mechanical flaws in his delivery.

Cease pitched a simulated game Friday and got up and down three times, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease got positive reviews from manager Tony La Russa ("excellent") and catcher Jonathan Lucroy ("devastating arsenal"). The right-hander has not yet appeared in a Cactus League game, but he is expected to serve as the fourth starter behind Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel and Lance Lynn.

Cease has worked with White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz to correct mechanical flaws in his lower body, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cease threw a side session Thursday under the watchful eye of catcher Yasmani Grandal, who liked what he saw. "If we get him to where we see him going, this guy could be a Cy Young finalist," Grandal said. "He could possibly be a Cy Young winner. He's got the tools to do it, there's no doubt on that." The right-hander pitched to a 4.01 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with 44 strikeouts and 34 walks over 58.1 innings in 2020. Cease is expected to claim a spot at the back end of the rotation to start the season.

Cease (5-4) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings in a loss to the Cubs on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Cease had walked 12 batters in his last two starts (7.2 innings) entering Friday's game. He was able to cut down on the free passes in his regular-season finale, but Cease probably got too much of the strike zone as the Cubs teed off for homers in the second, third and fourth innings. The 24-year-old is in a bad way right now, though he could still be a weapon for the team during the postseason working in shorter spurts out of the bullpen.

Cease (5-3) allowed three runs on seven walks over three hitless innings in a loss to the Reds on Sunday. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Cease was effectively wild through three innings, but the effectiveness vanished in the fourth. He walked the bases loaded to begin that frame before being pulled, with Ross Detwiler allowing all three inherited runners to score. The right-hander walked five in his previous outing, and manager Rick Renteria told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times that the team will try "to get to the bottom of what corrections need to be made." Cease is expected to make another start to attempt to get things fixed, likely Friday against the Cubs.

Cease allowed a run on five hits and five walks and struck out four over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Twins on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Cease allowed just an RBI single to Jorge Polanco in the fifth despite the high baserunner count. Monday was the third time in 10 starts Cease has issued five or more walks. The 24-year-old has a 3.20 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 34:25 K:BB across 50.2 innings this season. His next start is expected to be Saturday in Cincinnati.

Cease allowed five hits and no walks while striking out two across five innings Tuesday against the Pirates. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Cease worked efficiently, surrendering no free passes and needing only 79 pitches to get 15 outs. He left the contest in position for a win, but the Pirates ultimately rallied to spoil his chances. While he has only 30 strikeouts across 46 innings, Cease has allowed no more than three runs in eight of his nine starts this season. He'll take his next turn through the rotation Sunday against Detroit.