During his six-year big league career, former Toronto Blue Jay Jordan Romano has been, for the most part, a top-level dependable closer.
His first two seasons ended with small sample sizes due to a late call-up in 2019 and a shortened 2020 campaign. His next three seasons unveiled his true potential as Romano pitched 63, 64 and 59 innings, respectively, over those years with a collective ERA of 2.37.
Early into his prime, however, the Canadian and the Blue Jays uncovered what was possibly a peak into future arm issues. In April of 2021, the righty was placed on the 10-day injured list with ulnar neuritis in his right (throwing) elbow. Although he was activated after his short stint, he also faced forearm discomfort throughout the rest of that season.
Romano's only other real issue he faced with his body was some lower back inflammation around the 2023 All-Star break. Leading up to the All-Star Game, Romano had been experiencing some issues, listed as a sore back. After allowing a home run to his former teammate Lourdes Gurriel Jr., he exited the game after feeling a tweak in his back. He pitched in a few more games before being shelved until Aug. 15, eventually returning and finishing out the season.
Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano exits the game after being looked at by trainers #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/11I5etsBiD
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2023
Jordan Romano had a tough injury year in 2024
The injury bug struck Romano right away in 2024. Before he had the chance to pitch in a regular season game, the former Oral Roberts Golden Eagle was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation. This delayed the start of his campaign until April 16.
Romano went on to make all of his 15 appearances in 2024 between April and May before being shut down again due to arm issues, but this time it was much more serious. He was shut down toward the end of May going into June for similar arm irritation which extended his 15-day IL stay until the team doctors and Romano decided that arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow was the best decision for his career and his future.
While surgery seems scary for any fan or executive when evaluating a player, especially a pitcher, all signs have pointed toward success for the 6-foot-5 Romano. There were even some discussions about the possibility of returning last season. However, with the disappointing end to the Blue Jays season, it was best for all parties to extend the recovery.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that Romano passed his physical on Monday when he signed and heard from president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski that Romano is already throwing in the mid-90s again, a great sign of things to come.
Arm injuries are never fun and can often lead to further or more intense injuries for pitchers. While Romano does not have a long-term history of ailments, any arm surgery is going to affect not only a player's physical condition but mental as well. Most athletes who undergo this type of surgery have a full recovery time to competition in three to four months meaning that the Phillies and their scouting department should've been able to get a good look at how he has bounced back from his surgery in early June.
Health is half the battle in sports. While his recent track record is off-putting, Romano has a career portfolio of healthy, effective seasons in his pocket.