The Philadelphia Phillies have overhauled their bullpen in hopes it can help propel them deep into the postseason, and the latest changes may spell a disappointing end for a two-time All-Star. Prior to Tuesday’s game, the team announced that pitcher Jordan Romano was placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right middle finger. The move came shortly after another rough outing on Monday, when Romano allowed four runs in a single inning against division rivals, the New York Mets. With his ERA now sitting at 8.23 for the season, his future with the team appears uncertain.
“The last straw – for now, at least, and maybe for good with the Phillies – came in the seventh inning Monday night when Jordan Romano couldn’t stop a three-run deficit from exploding into seven runs,” Scott Lauber wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “If a reliever can’t be trusted in that situation, when can he?”
The Phillies brought Jordan Romano on board this past offseason with a one-year, \$8.5 million deal. However, even if he returns from his finger injury before the end of the regular season, his continued struggles may make him an unlikely candidate for a postseason roster spot. On Tuesday, the team responded by optioning in two relievers from the minors, replacing both Romano and fellow pitcher Joe Ross, who was released. Romano was unavailable for comment following the announcement, but manager Rob Thomson addressed the situation and the team’s decision in an interview.
“His finger feels numb, so I’m sure it affects his grip,” the manager said, per Lauber. “Who knows how long he’s had it and didn’t say anything to us? I mean, he wants to pitch.” Though Thomson attempted to relate Romano’s larger struggles to the finger problem, it seems unlikely that an injured list stint will help him return to his All-Star form from two years ago. Last year, pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, he posted a 6.59 ERA amid an elbow problem. Now, it seems his time with the Phillies might have reached a harsh, if called for, end.
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