Former White Sox ace Dylan Cease is happy in San Diego

CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Right-hander Dylan Cease returned to Chicago on Monday as a member of the Padres after spending his first five MLB seasons with the White Sox.

Traded by the rebuilding White Sox to the contending Padres in March, Cease held no malice in his heart as he reflected on his time on the South Side.

“It’s always good to come back,” Cease said before his Padres lost 6-3 to the Cubs on Monday.

After struggling with a 4.58 ERA in 2023, the 28-year-old Cease is back to form in San Diego. He has posted a 2.55 ERA and 0.80 WHIP while striking out 48 batters in 42 1/3 innings in seven starts for the Padres this season.

By the end of the White Sox’s 101-loss season in 2023, Cease saw the changes coming for the White Sox.

“At this point, they have opted for the rebuilding mode,” said Cease, who was the American League Cy Young runner-up in 2022. “I don't know if shocking is the word. Last year, I thought we had a really good chance to compete, and we had a really bad year. We just didn't play well. We aren't robots out there, and sometimes you have the need to redo everything. Last year wasn't enjoyable in any way, but I got a lot out of it because I found out what doesn't work. I think I got back to what is working now.

“I have had some moments while falling asleep thinking about the good times in Chicago, but I am pretty busy with this team and doing my job and getting things done.”

Cease gave credit to White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz for helping develop him into a top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

"Ethan was the best pitching coach I have had by far before I came to San Diego,” Cease said. “He taught me how to understand the technical and mental aspects of pitching and how to pitch to people. The little things like sequencing and thinking out on the mound. So I regard Ethan as one of the best coaches in the big leagues. Here in San Diego with (our coaches), I feel the same way.”

Cease has been keeping an eye on his old White Sox teammates.

“I have been watching Garrett come out hot,” Cease said of White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. "I haven't seen all of his starts, but I have seen the highlights. He is nasty and looks the way he is supposed to out there … I have a lot of faith in him. I think he will be an ace for a long time.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .