Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly agreed a deal with reliever Sergio Romo, with the aim of him helping their beleaguered bullpen.
The Blue Jays are desperately in need of more arms, when considering the likes of Yusei Kikuchi’s poor form, another setback for Nate Pearson and other injuries in the bullpen. Enter Sergio Romo.
According to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network and New York Post, Romo has agreed a deal to go to Toronto. The Blue Jays’ bullpen can undoubtedly use the help, currently ranking 24th in ERA, 18th in WHIP and 22nd in batting average entering Tuesday’s action.
From a resume standpoint, Romo certainly has the credentials to provide a much-needed boost. The three-time World Series champion and 2013 All-Star comes to Toronto with career averages of 3.20 ERA, 3.31 FIP and 1.05 WHIP in 815 regular season games.
Now in his 15th year in the Majors, the 39-year-old has extensive veteran experience and wisdom. This in turn can extend to offering invaluable advice to other members of the Blue Jays’ bullpen.
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In addition, Romo has some familiarity with Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo. The reliever played in Tampa Bay Rays during 2017 and 2018, where Montoyo was a coach for the Rays.
Understandably though, they will be some doubt among critics, quick to point out Romo’s 8.16 ERA, 7.87 FIP and 1.535 WHIP in 17 appearances for the Mariners this year. Projected over the course of an entire season, all would represent career worsts for the righty.
What has been particularly worrisome this year is how ineffective the Brawley, California native’s unique “No Dot” slider has been. Usually his strongest pitch, he has used it less than at any point since before 2011, when it became his main weapon.
For the Blue Jays, it would seem the decision to sign Romo comes down to an urgent need, along with the belief pitching coach Pete Walker can get him back on track. In this respect, it is important to break down the pitcher’s season to date.
In reality, the 2005 28th round draft pick has only had one bad month (so far) in 2022. The problem is that it’s the current month, with him giving up a disastrous 17.05 ERA in 6.1 innings spread over nine appearances, including six home runs.
Prior to June though, Romo had been excellent for the Mariners. During the first two months of this season, he recorded a 1.13 ERA in 8.0 innings spread over the course of eight appearances, allowing no home runs (and just a single walk) in the process.
Of course, this leads to the question of which version of Romo will be closer to the one the Blue Jays get? Only time will tell, but if nothing else, he’s worth the risk due to the low financial compensation he will receive in Toronto, with the Mariners still responsible for the majority of his $2 million contract this year.
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What is your opinion of Romo? Do you believe he will help the Blue Jays’ bullpen, or are you concerned by his recent form? Let us know in the comments section below.