Glew: Jays' Romano sidelined with elbow inflammation

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) has been sidelined with right elbow inflammation.

March 20, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano has been sidelined with right elbow inflammation.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters on Tuesday that an MRI showed no structural damage to Romano’s elbow.

Schneider said Romano (Markham, Ont.) will not throw for three days. The club then hopes he can return to throwing and be ready for Opening Day.

Romano has struck out six batters and owns a 2.08 ERA in 4 1/3 innings in five Grapefruit League appearances this spring.

The hard-throwing Canadian cemented his status as one of baseball’s elite closers in 2023. In 59 games, he recorded a 2.90 ERA and matched his career-high with 36 saves, which was the second-most in the American League. Romano also collected five wins and struck out 72 batters in 59 innings and finished the season with a 2.1 WAR. For his efforts, he was selected to the All-Star Game for a second time.

Originally chosen in the 10th round of the MLB draft by the Blue Jays in 2014, the 30-year-old righty is heading into his sixth major league season and fourth as Blue Jays closer.

In total, the Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team grad has a 2.67 ERA with 97 saves in 216 relief appearances with the Blue Jays during his major league career.

Romano is one of a growing group of Blue Jays’ pitchers that have experienced injury woes this spring. Alek Manoah (shoulder soreness), Kevin Gausman (shoulder fatigue) and Erik Swanson (right forearm tightness) all may not be ready for Opening Day.