GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- After producing an impressive outing last Wednesday, White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease encountered some adversity in his start Monday.
Cease suffered from a sudden loss of command in the third inning of the White Sox's contest against the Reds. Cease's frame included three walks and a hit batter, and he also allowed a bloop single.
In all, Cease went three innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three. Two of the runs he allowed were in his third inning marked by wildness.
"I wasn't as sharp as I had been," Cease said. "For the most part except for the inning I lost my command, I thought it was decent."
Cease, 24, is preparing for his first full MLB season after debuting in 2019. He was plagued by walks and home runs last season, as is the case for many young pitchers. Limiting both is a focus for Cease, who allowed a homer to Reds outfielder Nick Senzel on the third pitch of the game Monday.
"We were talking before the games about solo home runs," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said of a coaches' meeting. "Young pitchers always need to learn that the solo-type homer doesn't kill you. Great pitchers in history gave up lots of long balls. Not giving up the three-run home run or grand slam is the key to long outings."
Cease's command struggles Monday were a departure from his stellar start to Cactus League play. He had registered eight strikeouts without walking a batter in his two previous starts this spring spring, but he didn't view this day as a worry.
"I didn't feel like I was rushing in between pitches," Cease said. "I felt like I was hitting my spots but way up in the zone. It was just one of those innings."
Cease is slotted in at No. 4 in the White Sox's rotation behind Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel and Reynaldo Lopez.
"It's about confidence, work and structure for Dylan or any young pitcher," Renteria said. "He has that first year under his belt and will feel better from start to start regardless of a bad result. We have been very happy with what he has been doing this spring."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
