To put it simply, Cease was sharp and precise. Living in the 98-99 (FB) and 89-92 (SL) range is simply overpowering in today's game. Cease made one mistake pitch, and fortunately, it came to Brady House who grounded it for just a single. That's all! Thank you for reading!.- HLB

Cease's location was also a key. He allowed singles two missed sliders. Past that, he gave the Nationals little to work with. Fastballs were well-placed on the outside, and kept in the upper-third with few big misses. Here was the location of all his slider and fastball strikes:

Moving on to his 10 K's. Cease collected 21 whiffs— 11 on the SL, 8 on the FB, and 2 on the KC. He allowed just 10 balls in play, and only three hard-hit balls (95+ EV). Because he limited batted balls, his pitch count rose rather quickly

Velocity was the key for Cease today. His fastball topped out at 100.1 MPH. The pitch averaged 98.1, up from his season average of 97. His slider velocity jumped 2 MPH from his season average, and topped at 92.4. The Nats have a -5 Run Value vs. Sliders, a good matchup for Cease

Cease posted a 4.88 ERA in the first half of 2025. However, today he proved why he deserved to open the second half. His final line: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 10 K, 94 P — 59 Strikes. His K's by inning:.1st - 3.2nd - 2.3rd - 1.4th - 2.5th - 2

Dylan Cease Bounced Back in Washington Today. A Short Game Thread 🧵.Idea via @jcammisabsbl .#ForTheFaithful

Seiya Suzuki clubs HR No. 26! . The Cubs outfield core of Kyle Tucker, PCA, and Suzuki have combined for 68 home runs, the most of any outfield trio. Keep in mind Chicago also has Michael Busch (19 HR), and is in the market for Eugenio Suarez (31 HR) 👀.

First-half leaders in Statcast pitching metrics:. Lowest Avg. EV: Caleb Fergurson, PIT. Lowest Barrels/PA: Pete Fairbanks, TBR. Lowest Expected ERA: Josh Hader, HOU. Highest Whiff%: Fernando Cruz, NYY. Highest Chase%: Griffin Jax, MIN. Highest Avg. FB Velo: Mason Miller, ATH 🎥

That's all! Thank you so much for reading, and if you enjoyed, please consider following me for more content like this!. Have a nice All-Star Break!.- High Leverage

RP David Morgan - B+. Coming into 2025 as an unranked prospect, Morgan turned some heads at the MLB level. He's posting an impressive 2.14 ERA through his first 17 games, with some electric stuff. His 97-99 MPH fastball has played strong, and his curveball has a Whiff% of 37.8%

RP Yuki Matsui - D+. On a 5+1-year deal, Matsui hasn't had the sophomore showing that San Diego would've wanted. He has a 5.05 ERA due to issues with walks and loud contact. The 5'8 LHP has looked overpowered at times. However, he still has a 47.7 Whiff% on his splitter so far

RP Wandy Peralta - B. Peralta is a tier down, but has been better than expected. The veteran LHP has been both available (42 G) and effective (3.61 ERA). He's been used in a variety of ways, and has struggled in high leverage outings, but has been strong when used correctly

RP Jeremiah Estrada - A. Estrada didn't get an ASG invite, but is in the same company as those who did. His lively fastball has played well, and his splitter has been the perfect compliment. His splitter is returning a .103 AVG and 54.7 (!!!) Whiff%. He's posting a 2.93 ERA

RP Jason Adam - A. Adam was San Diego's 3rd All-Star reliever, and it's no secret as to why. Adam has four above-average pitches, and has returned insane whiff rates on them:. Slider: 41.7%.Changeup: 34.5%.4S Fastball: 25%.Sweeper: 31%. He's kept contact quiet, and avoided SLG

RP Adrian Morejon - A+. Morejon is having a career year, with a 1.85 ERA and first-percentile xERA. His arsenal stats have been dazzling:. Sinker: .194 AVG, .233 SLG, 83.5 EV.Slider: 39.2 Whiff%, .108 BA, 80.9 EV, -2 LA. His two-pitch dominance earned him his first nod to the ASG

CP Robert Suarez - B+. Suarez went back to the ASG, and leads the NL in saves with 28. However, he's posted a 3.54 ERA. His new changeup has been whiffed on quite a bit, but also hit hard. He's also had some serious command issues at times. However, his 1.03 WHIP is a good sign

SP Ryan Bergert - A-. Bergert's career has started off strong. He's found a way to a 23.1 K% with minimal chase and whiffs. His mound presence, steady delivery, and simple arsenal have allowed him to avoid big innings. He's posting a 2.84 through his first ten MLB appearances

SP Stephen Kolek - C. Kolek arrived emphatically, starting his tenure as a SP with 14 scoreless frames, including a CGSO at Coors Field. However, hitters have figured him out since then. He's allowed a 91.4 Avg. EV, and hasn't gotten whiffs. More AAA seasoning is on his menu

SP Randy Vasquez - B+. Vasquez's 3.80 ERA has been more vital to the Padres then one would think. He has 14 starts allowing two or fewer runs, and has give the Padres a chance in nearly all of his outings. He's done this with a 1st %ile K%, by pitching to contact effectively

SP Nick Pivetta - A+. Pivetta has served as the unexpected ace of the Padres. His 2.88 ERA over 19 starts puts him 7th among all pitchers in Run Value. Added depth on his curveball and sweeper have allowed him to create incredible variance from his high-rise fastball