Dylan Cease, the right-handed ace recently acquired by the San Diego Padres, nearly made history with another impressive start. On May 7, 2025, he took a no-hitter deep into the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. However, his outing was cut short by an unexpected injury, leaving fans and the Padres organization holding their breath.

A Standout Performance on the Mound

Cease dazzled with his command and pitch mix, throwing 89 pitches and striking out a season-high nine batters. His near-flawless performance kept the Yankees hitless until Cody Bellinger broke up the no-hit bid with a towering home run in the seventh. Cease, determined to keep his team in the game, continued to battle but showed signs of discomfort right before being pulled from the game. After a brief discussion with the manager and trainers, he left the field, sparking concerns about his health among Padres fans and baseball analysts alike.

You can read a detailed recap of the night, including reactions from the team and insights into Cease’s recent form, in ESPN’s report on Dylan Cease losing his no-hit bid and leaving with an injury.

The Injury: What Happened?

Shortly after surrendering his first hit, Dylan Cease was visibly uncomfortable, shaking his throwing arm on the mound. Padres manager Mike Shildt, opting for caution, removed him mid at-bat in the seventh inning. The immediate diagnosis was a forearm cramp, with trainers not overly concerned after evaluating him postgame. Shildt emphasized that the decision was precautionary, stating the health of their ace is paramount given the Padres' injury-depleted rotation.

For a comprehensive breakdown and postgame comments, see CBS Sports’ coverage on Dylan Cease’s injury and what it means for the Padres. The article highlights improvements in Cease's approach this season and what technical challenges he’s working through as he adjusts to his new team.

Cease’s Impact Since Joining the Padres

Dylan Cease, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in March 2024, has quickly become a key figure in the Padres' rotation. Last year, he finished fourth in National League Cy Young voting, tallying 14 wins with a 3.47 ERA. His ability to dominate lineups was on display in his near no-hit performance, a reminder of why the Padres made a significant investment to bring him to San Diego.

Despite a rocky start to the season statistically, Cease’s improvements underneath the hood are noteworthy. He’s adjusted his arm angle, added movement to his fastball, and worked on sharpening his breaking pitches. These changes promise more highlight outings for a Padres team aiming for postseason success.

Turning Points in the Game

After Cease's departure, the bullpen tried to hold the lead, but New York rallied late. Cody Bellinger’s clutch home run tied the game, and Trent Grisham’s late-game heroics helped the Yankees secure a narrow 4-3 win in extra innings. For more on the game’s pivotal moments and Grisham’s impact, visit MLB’s recap of the Yankees’ walk-off victory.

What’s Next for Dylan Cease and the Padres?

The Padres remain optimistic about Dylan Cease’s prognosis, with trainers labeling the injury as minor. As the rotation battles several other injuries, Cease’s return will be crucial for the club’s competitive hopes. Fans can expect ongoing updates as the team assesses his recovery in the coming days.

In summary, Dylan Cease’s near no-hitter against the Yankees not only showcased his talent but also underscored his importance to the Padres. His health will be pivotal to the team’s success this season. Stay tuned for further news as Cease and the Padres push forward in a competitive NL West.