Two years and three teams later, it seems that Jordan Romano is hitting some real highs in the Rocky Mountains.
The former Blue Jays closer, who left Toronto following the 2024 MLB season, has been lights-out since getting called up by Colorado and being immediately inserted into the closer role.
As of Wednesday morning, he has a solid ERA of 3.12 in nine games and has notched five saves with his latest team — despite blowing an opportunity against the Rays on Tuesday night. With his fifth save on July 31, Romano took over the Rockies team lead from Juan Mejia, who has four.
But here’s the wildest stat: Romano is still tied for the lead in saves with his former team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Has this ever happened before?
Despite the fact that Romano hasn’t pitched for L.A. since a loss to the Royals back on April 25, the two-time all-star closer remains tied for the Angels team lead with Ryan Zeferjahn at four saves apiece.
Although it is incredibly unlikely to happen, Romano reportedly could become the first pitcher in MLB history to lead two different teams in saves in the same season.
While Romano certainly is worthy of praise for his rare accomplishment, that statistic should be considered more damning about the state of the Angels franchise.
Why did the Angels cut Romano?
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 New York 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.
After being designated for assignment and then released by the team in late April, the Canadian reliever joined the Colorado Rockies organization on a minor-league deal.
His tenure with the Angels came to an end with a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 10.13.
He made one outing in single-A and then nine appearances in triple-A before the Rockies summoned the 33-year-old righty and instantly slotted him into the closer role — and even gave him a custom entrance.
“The Rockies are currently giving Jordan Romano a closer entrance, complete with flames,” Grace Del Pizzo, a Philadelphia-based reporter, posted on X after Romano entered a game last month. “This is something, for sure.”
The video clip showed flame graphics being broadcast on all of the videoboards at Coors Field and the song Tsunami by DVBBS & Borgeous played loudly while Romano entered the game from the bullpen to little fanfare. Romano used the same song when he played with the Jays.
How was Romano’s time with the Jays?
Romano had been somewhat of a hometown hero success story during his time with the Blue Jays.
After being selected in the 10th round of the 2014 MLB draft, Romano made his MLB debut during the 2019 season, but didn’t become a key member in the team’s bullpen until 2021.
He represented the team at the MLB All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023 before he began to struggle mightily in 2024.
The team opted not to bring him back following the season and he signed for 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, where his struggles continued, posting an ERA of 8.23 in 49 games.