Cease (12 K's) shuts out Red Sox as Springer, Vladdy provide the offense

BOSTON -- The Blue Jays still have some flashes in them, especially when Dylan Cease pitches like that.

Saturday’s 6-0 win over the Red Sox was clean and simple, which we haven’t seen enough of from this 2026 team. The win moves the Blue Jays to 48-57.

This is what mattered most:

1. Dylan Cease one-hits the Red Sox

For a moment, it felt like Cease was going to take another run at Dave Stieb, like he did just before the All-Star break in San Francisco. Stieb still lives on as the only no-hitter in franchise history, but Cease was spectacular in Saturday’s win. This was the Blue Jays’ first complete game of the season as Cease allowed just one hit, a double to Andruw Monasterio in the sixth.

It took Cease 120 pitches, and more than anything, his celebration after the final out was one of relief.

“Just that it’s over,” Cease said, smiling. “I was tired at the end there. That change misses by half an inch and I have to throw another pitch? That would have been …”

Early on, his velocity was downright worrying. His fastball sat below 94 mph in the first inning, alarming from a pitcher who sits 97-98 mph and can touch 100 mph. It slowly crept up as the game went on, though, similar to what we’ve seen over the years from Kevin Gausman. To Cease’s credit, he also controlled this game extremely well, getting the Red Sox hitters to swing through some of his softer stuff while he settled in.

This still looks like Cease versus Cam Schlittler of the Yankees for the AL Cy Young Award. Cease now owns a 2.46 ERA with 167 strikeouts over 113 1/3 innings.

2) Stock up: George Springer

Springer’s three-run home run in the third inning snuck over the Green Monster in left and continued a stretch where he’s looked more like his 2025 self recently. Sure, the Blue Jays wish it had been this way all along, but better now than never.

Springer is one of the most interesting trade options on this roster, and will appeal to different clubs in very different ways. While some contenders simply would not have a spot for Springer, who is limited to the DH spot with the odd day in the corner outfield, other contenders in need of a veteran DH or bench bat could easily see the upside here. Springer is a former World Series MVP with the Astros, and last October, delivered one of the biggest moments in Blue Jays history with his Game 7 ALCS home run against the Mariners.

There’s a certain level of “feel” to Springer’s value, beyond the 2026 numbers. Consider the Red Sox to be one of the contenders who could make sense for Springer, but if he looks good in the coming days, that list may grow.

Money will be a factor, too. Springer is earning just over $24 million this year, the final year of his six-year, $150 million deal. This could be a scenario where the Blue Jays can eat some of that salary in return for a greater prospect return.

3) The right direction for Vladdy

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached base four times, including a line-drive single to left field to bring home the Blue Jays’ first run of the game.

Before the game, Guerrero met with the media to address the Blue Jays’ disappointing season, asking the fans for patience and preaching that anything can happen over their final 57 games.

“Before even thinking about [media] or the Trade Deadline, myself and the entire team have to play better,” Guerrero said through interpreter Hector Lebron. “Every time I leave the field, going back to the hotel, that’s all I’m thinking of, seeing how we can get better.”

Guerrero’s season won’t truly turn around until some of these start going over the wall, as he’s stuck at just six home runs this season. There’s no arguing with a day like this, though, and as manager John Schneider said before the game, it’s important for Guerrero to “show the way” to his teammates as they go through a down year.