Relievers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross have been in the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen since the start of the 2025 season. Both were signed as free agents to fill important roles, but have fallen well short of that goal as the season dwindles down. With how both of them have played so far, one of them may find themselves without a job shortly.
Reliever José Alvarado is quickly approaching his return to the team as early as Aug. 19. He's currently working his way back from his 80-game PED suspension suffered in May and will look to slide back into the bullpen with some crucial weeks approaching for the Phillies. Through 20 games this year, he has pitched to a 4-1 record, 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25 strikeouts over 20 innings. His return could directly impact the departure of either Romano or Ross.
Will Jordan Romano or Joe Ross be the odd man out when José Alvarado returns?
One man has to go with Alvarado coming back, and both Romano and Ross haven't done too much convincing to rely on them heading into the playoffs.
Romano was signed to a one-year, $8 million deal. He had his most recent blow-up on Wednesday, when he allowed the Cincinnati Reds to stretch a four-run deficit into an 8-0 hole on Wednesday. He allowed four runs on three hits and a walk in just 2/3 of an inning. All four runs came on a grand slam hit by Miguel Andujar, who was recently acquired by the Reds at the trade deadline, per MLB. Mark Sheldon. Romano's season numbers have now ballooned to a 2-4 record, a 7.24 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. It's safe to say his success over in Toronto has not carried over.
Ross' 2025 season has flown a little more under the radar with a 2-1 record, a 4.94 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. He was signed to a one-year, $4 million deal before the season. His walks per nine innings is at a career low (3.06), but he's also carried a .280 opposing batting average in 34 games. There wasn't necessarily a high expectation with signing Ross, but there was some hope considering his ability as a swingman. He came from the pitching factory of the Milwaukee Brewers last season, where he played to a 3.77 ERA across 74 innings, per Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Perhaps the Phillies keep both of them on the roster and cut someone else, but it looks unlikely. Right-hander Orion Kerkering and surprising left-hander Tanner Banks both have minor league options remaining, but they're not going anywhere. Lefty Matt Strahm is a fixture, as is new free agent addition veteran David Robertson. Max Lazar has been effective enough to justify his place on the roster but might be optioned when starter Aaron Nola returns.
The Phillies have a decision to make, but they knew this day would come. Sometimes roster shifts play themselves out for the better, and moving on from either Romano or Ross could be that difference for the bullpen.