On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Angels announced that Canadian right-handed reliever Jordan Romano has been released. They also released another former Blue Jay, though one a lot less notable, Shaun Anderson.
#Angels transactions:
•Recalled RHP José Fermin from Triple-A Salt Lake
•Selected the contracts of LHP Joey Lucchesi (#67) & C Sebastián Rivero (#38)
•Placed C Logan O’Hoppe on 10-day IL (left wrist fracture)
•Designated RHP Shaun Anderson & RHP Jordan Romano for assignment
In his April 13th outing against the New York Yankees, Romano gave up three earned runs thanks to two walks and a home run, failing to get an out. Two days later, he got one out against the Yankees, but gave up two earned runs. Though his next two outings, including one against the Blue Jays, were scoreless, he allowed three hits in those two innings while striking out five.
His final outing as an Angel came on Saturday, where Romano gave up four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. This has continued a notable downward trend for the 33-year-old righty.
From 2020 until 2023, Romano was one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball, posting a 2.29 ERA and 3.13 FIP in 200.2 innings pitched, with a 30.8 K% and 9.2 BB%. In that span, his 97 saves were the fifth most in MLB, behind Kenley Jansen’s 199, Josh Hader’s 116, Enmanuel Clase’s 110, and Ryan Pressly’s 102. Of the four other closers, Romano’s 12 blown saves were the fewest. He also picked up 14 holds in that time.
The righty joined the National League’s Philadelphia Phillies for the 2025 season. Over 49 outings, he posted a dismal 8.23 ERA and 5.39 FIP in 42.2 innings pitched. His K% jumped back up to 25.1%, but walked 9.1% of the batters. Romano also blew three of his 11 save opportunities.