Another door seemingly is closing on former Blue Jays all-star closer Jordan Romano.
On Sunday, the Canadian pitcher was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, seemingly ending his time with the franchise just one month into his first year in Anaheim.
The Markham, Ont., native began the season on fire as the Angels closer, picking up four saves in six scoreless appearances over five total innings. However, he then blew two consecutive save opportunities against the Yankees, giving up five runs and recording just one out in two games. He bounced back with two scoreless appearances in low-stakes situations before getting lit up again.
In his final appearance before being designated for assignment, Romano gave up four runs on three hits in the eighth inning of a 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
His tenure with the Angels seemingly comes to an end with a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 10.13.
According to MLB rules, teams have seven days to trade, release or place a player on waivers after they are designated for assignment (DFA). As a veteran, if Romano is placed on and clears waivers, he could opt to become a free agent as opposed to accepting a potential demotion to the minors.
As part of their roster shakeup on Sunday, the Angels DFA’d pitcher Shaun Anderson and placed catcher Logan O’Hoppe on the 10-day Injured List with a fractured wrist while calling up pitchers Jose Fermin and Joey Lucchesi, as well as catcher Sebastian Rivero.
How was Romano’s time with the Jays?
Romano had been somewhat of a hometown hero during his time with the Blue Jays.
After being selected in the 10th round of the 2014 MLB draft, Romano made his MLB during the 2019 season, but didn’t become a key member in the team’s bullpen until 2021.
He represented the team at MLB all-star game in 2022 and 2023 before he began to struggle mightily in 2024.
The team opted to not bring him back following the season and he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for 2025, where his struggles continued, posting an ERA of 8.23 in 49 games.
Over the course of his eight-year career so far, Romano has a record of 22-23 with 117 saves and an ERA of 3.92. The 6-foot-5 righty has struck out 344 batters in 280.1 innings pitched.