White Sox Place Cease, Graveman on Restricted List Ahead of Toronto Series

 

Tim Anderson pulled his groin on the weekend, and now the Chicago White Sox will be missing some key players in Toronto for a three-game set this week. Prior to flying out yesterday, the White Sox placed starting pitcher Dylan Cease and reliever Kendall Graveman on the team's restricted list. It's not spelled out in words, but fans can deduce the obvious here: neither Cease nor Graveman are vaccinated. 

The Canadian government requires all non-citizens crossing the border to be fully-vaccinated. This mandate has already crippled several MLB teams travelling to Toronto this season. The Boston Red Sox had to leave behind pitcher Tanner Houck in April, and the Seattle Mariners were without their ace, Robbie Ray, earlier this month in Toronto. 

White Sox placed Dylan Cease and Kendall Graveman on the restricted list ahead of the Toronto series, in accordance with the COVID vaccine requirements for the trip. Kyle Crick called up from Triple-A. Dallas Keuchel placed on release waivers

— James Fegan (@JRFegan) May 30, 2022

This is a heavy blow for the 23-23 White Sox. Over his first 10 starts, Cease leads all major league qualified pitchers with 12.75 strikeout per nine innings rate. Graveman has been a valuable reliever. He holds a 2.78 ERA with two saves and 19 strikeouts in 21 appearances out of the bullpen this season. 

The White Sox are expected to start Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech and Johnny Cueto over this week's three-game set. 

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports