What happened: MLB put Cam Schlittler and Dylan Cease at the center of its latest 2026 AL Cy Young discussion. The award race remains open entering mid-August.
Why it matters: Cease's July surge tightened a race Schlittler led earlier this summer. Each remaining start can reshape their cases before voting begins.
By the numbers: Cease posted a 1.00 ERA in July, capped by a one-hit shutout. Schlittler recorded 11 strikeouts without a walk over seven innings in his latest start.
What to watch: Their next starts will provide another comparison as the regular season enters its final weeks.