John Schneider, the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, is currently preparing to manage the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game, including the selection of a starting pitcher. One of the top candidates is his own ace, Dylan Cease. In an interview on Wednesday, Schneider expressed his hope that Cease would have a strong performance in his final outing before the Midsummer Classic, scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Cease delivered not just a strong performance but a nearly historic one, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants. The game concluded with a dominant 10-0 victory for the Blue Jays, but Heliot Ramos broke up Cease's no-hitter with a leadoff single in the final inning. This game followed Cease's previous no-hitter while playing for the San Diego Padres against the Washington Nationals on July 25, 2024, where he struck out nine and walked three over 114 pitches.

During the game, Cease showcased his pitching prowess by striking out 11 batters and demonstrating superb command. He was on the brink of joining Dave Stieb as just the second pitcher in Blue Jays history to throw a no-hitter. After allowing the hit, Schneider came out to remove Cease, who received a standing ovation from fans of both teams as he exited the mound.

Cease reflected on his performance, stating, “I think I was better today than during the no-hitter two years ago,” attributing his success to his ability to command and mix his pitches effectively. Interestingly, Ramos had previously broken up another potential no-hitter for Cease back on September 3, 2022, while he was with the Chicago White Sox.

The Blue Jays have had multiple close calls with no-hitters since Stieb’s gem on September 2, 1990, with pitchers like Brandon Morrow, Dustin McGowan, Marco Estrada, and Bowden Francis also flirting with the feat. Cease acknowledged the mental challenge of pitching in the ninth inning, noting that he focused on his pitch sequencing, particularly against Ramos.

In the seventh inning, Cease faced a tough challenge from José Ramirez, who worked a nine-pitch at-bat before flying out. As he progressed through the eighth inning, Cease reached a pitch count of 115, but Schneider remained supportive of letting him chase the no-hitter. “If a guy has a chance to throw a no-hitter, you let him do it,” Schneider emphasized.

Cease finished with a career-high 118 pitches, with strong defensive support from his teammates contributing to the no-hitter bid. Outfielder Daulton Varsho, who made a remarkable catch earlier in the game, noted the adrenaline rush of playing in such pivotal moments. Despite the excitement, Varsho pointed out a pitch choice that he felt could have been better.

The game not only served to enhance Cease’s All-Star Game candidacy but also revitalized the Blue Jays following an earlier defeat. They had earlier overwhelmed Logan Webb from the Giants early in the game, showcasing a lineup that included contributions from Varsho and Kazuma Okamoto, who hit his first career grand slam.

As Cease's performance continues to bolster his case for the All-Star Game, he currently holds impressive statistics for the season, including 148 strikeouts across 98.1 innings and an ERA of 2.56, ranking seventh in the majors. His success stems in part from improved pitch selection and a focus on maintaining a quicker tempo in his delivery, a strategy emphasized by pitching coach Pete Walker.

Looking ahead to the All-Star Game, Schneider cited various factors that will influence the decision on the starting pitcher, including performance metrics and innings pitched. While Cam Schlittler, slated to pitch for the New York Yankees, remains a leading candidate, the overall decision will take into account multiple factors and feedback from different sources.

Cease is in line to become the third Blue Jays pitcher to start an All-Star Game, joining the ranks of Stieb and Roy Halladay. While acknowledging the competition, Cease expressed his desire to pitch if selected, underscoring his ambition to solidify his place in Blue Jays history. His outstanding outing against the Giants has undoubtedly carved out a significant moment in his career and the franchise’s lore.