Quick read
- The Philadelphia Phillies suspect Jordan Romano was tipping his pitches.
- This revelation could explain his poor start to the MLB season.
- Romano corrected the issue and showed improvement in his latest outing.
- He is expected to step into the closer role following José Alvarado’s suspension.
- Romano’s return to form is crucial for the Phillies’ bullpen success.
Why are the Phillies concerned about Jordan Romano?
The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed concerns over the recent performance of Jordan Romano, a pitcher who has struggled in the early part of the 2024 MLB season. Once considered one of the top closers in baseball, Romano saw his ERA balloon to 13.50 before his latest outing, raising questions about his effectiveness. According to Sports, the Phillies believe that Romano was tipping his pitches, inadvertently signaling his intentions to opposing hitters. This revelation could explain the sudden drop in his performance.
Despite these struggles, Romano’s track record provides some optimism. During his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, he earned All-Star honors in 2022 and 2023, cementing his reputation as a reliable closer. The Phillies hope that addressing the pitch-tipping issue will help Romano return to his previous form.
What steps have been taken to address Romano’s struggles?
To address the issue, the Phillies coaching staff worked closely with Romano to identify and correct the pitch-tipping problem. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed to Sports that adjustments were made ahead of their recent game against the Chicago Cubs. Romano’s performance in that outing showed signs of improvement: he pitched a clean inning, allowing no hits or earned runs while striking out one batter. This marked a significant step forward for the embattled reliever.
It remains to be seen whether these adjustments will translate into consistent success. As Nbcsports noted, the Phillies are counting on Romano to stabilize their bullpen, especially in the absence of José Alvarado, who is serving an 80-game suspension. Romano’s ability to deliver in high-leverage situations will be critical for the team’s playoff aspirations.
How does José Alvarado’s suspension impact Romano’s role?
The suspension of José Alvarado has thrust Romano back into the spotlight. Alvarado, who was the Phillies’ primary closer, will be unavailable until late August due to a violation of MLB’s performance-enhancing substance policy. This development leaves a significant void in the bullpen, and Romano is expected to step into the closer role.
According to Nbcsports, Romano has already begun to take on more responsibility, securing three saves in the last two weeks. His ability to handle this increased workload will be closely monitored as the Phillies navigate the middle portion of the season. The team hopes that Romano’s experience and recent adjustments will enable him to excel in this pivotal role.
What does Romano’s recovery mean for the Phillies?
Romano’s return to form could have a profound impact on the Phillies’ bullpen. A reliable closer is essential for any team with playoff ambitions, and Romano has proven in the past that he can excel in this role. His performance in the coming weeks will be a key factor in determining the team’s success.
As Sports highlighted, Romano’s career has been marked by resilience. Despite battling injuries during the 2024 season with the Blue Jays, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to bounce back. The Phillies are banking on this resilience as they look to solidify their bullpen and compete in a highly competitive National League.
While it’s too early to declare Romano’s struggles a thing of the past, his recent improvements provide a glimmer of hope for the Phillies. If he can build on this momentum, Romano could once again become a cornerstone of the team’s bullpen, helping to anchor their playoff push.