Cease (2-1) took the loss Thursday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and two walks over four innings in a 14-5 loss against the Rays. He struck out three.
Cease had his worst start of the season against the first-place Rays. The right-hander has now lasted just four innings in each of his last two starts. On the bright side, the 27-year-old currently ranks eleventh in the league with 37 strikeouts. Cease is tentatively slated to face the Twins at home in his next appearance.