JoJo Romero undergoes successful Tommy John surgery

Among the slew of recent Philadelphia Phillies injuries have affected stars such as Bryce Harper, Didi Gregorius, and J.T. Realmuto. Thankfully, this trio is only expected to be sidelined for a short period, however the same cannot be said for each of the team’s sidelined players.

Phillies reliever JoJo Romero begins his rehab journey following Tommy John.

Earlier this month in a relief appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers, left-handed reliever JoJo Romero showed diminished velocity. Shortly after, the team placed the 24-year-old on the 10-day injured list with a left elbow sprain. Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario occurred, as Romero was since transferred to the 60-day injured list — clearing a 40-man roster spot — due to requiring Tommy John surgery.

Wednesday evening, Romero shared on Twitter that his surgery went successful. “Just another chapter in this crazy book of life,” he said. “I appreciate all the love and prayers. It’s not the easiest thing to go through and deal with just gotta take it step by step Can’t wait to be back on the mound competing [with] all my brothers.”

https://twitter.com/jojothejet6/status/1397393320062504965

Tommy John surgery typically keeps pitchers out at least a full calendar year. Fellow rising reliever Seranthony Dominguez underwent the same procedure in late July 2020, meaning he could be out at least until after the All-Star break. The Phillies avoided arbitration with the 26-year-old this past offseason by agreeing to a one-year, $727,500 contract.

Romero seemed to have known Tommy John surgery was imminent, as he tweeted out “What an emotional roller coaster of a nightmare.” Through 11 appearances this season, the California native surrendered 12 hits, eight runs (seven earned), four walks, and four home runs, while striking out eight of his 44 batters faced spanning nine innings.

He was effective across most of his dozen appearances last season as a rookie, including throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings to begin his career with six strikeouts and only one walk allowed.