Blue Jays’ Jordan Romano undergoes arthroscopic elbow surgery, shut down for at least six weeks

When it rains, it pours — and that’s precisely the sentiment regarding the Toronto Blue Jays’ current injury front.

Following a visit with Dr. Keith Meister — who performed Alek Manoah’s Tommy John surgery — on Tuesday, closer Jordan Romano underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his injured right elbow to address an impingement, the club announced prior to first pitch Wednesday.

Romano will be shut down from throwing for a minimum of six weeks before being re-evaluated. It remains unclear if he’ll have an opportunity to return this season.

The 31-year-old righty, who last pitched against the Chicago White Sox on May 29, originally landed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. He recently experienced a setback in his throwing program that prompted a visit with Meister.

The only solace is Romano appears to have avoided a more serious procedure, which likely would’ve impacted next season’s availability, dealing a significant blow to the Blue Jays’ bullpen as he’s a free agent after the 2025 campaign. Still, it comes at an inopportune time with Yimi García also on the IL and Erik Swanson working to regain his control in triple-A Buffalo.

Toronto is operating without its top four relievers from last season — Romano (injured), García (injured), Swanson (minors) and Mayza (designated for assignment).

Chad Green will continue to serve as the club’s closer moving forward, with Trevor Richards assuming the primary setup duties.

The Blue Jays bullpen has been among the worst in baseball this season, ranking 26th in K-BB% (11.9 per cent), 28th in ERA (4.73) and 30th in FIP (4.81), home runs allowed (51), and fWAR (-0.8) entering Wednesday’s slate.

Romano, in particular, has struggled to replicate his All-Star form, pitching to an inflated 6.59 ERA and 6.16 FIP while recording eight saves in 15 relief appearances. He’s struck out 13 batters while walking four over 13.2 innings.