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No matter what path the Jays take at the deadline, losing closer Jordan Romano for an extend period of time is a big blow
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Photo credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Ryley Delaney
Jun 30, 2024, 19:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 30, 2024, 15:07 EDT
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This isn’t great for the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Saturday, it was reported by numerous sources that Jordan Romano was shut down on Friday, and will visit Dr. Keith Meister.
As you may recall, that was the same doctor that Alek Manoah visited, who later performed Tommy John surgery on the Blue Jays’ former ace. While the imaging on Romano’s elbow has been okay, this isn’t great news.
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Blue Jays are shutting down Jordan Romano after he experienced elbow discomfort while throwing yesterday, said John Schneider. He’s scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday. Imaging so far hasn’t shown structural damage, said Schneider, so next is in person evaluation.

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There are also other ramifications for the Blue Jays no matter what they decide to do, as the trade deadline is quickly approaching. It goes without saying that if it’s a worst case scenario, this absolutely sucks for Romano.
With that being said, let’s look at the ramifications for the Blue Jays.

If the Jays decide to sell…

Coming into Sunday’s game, the Blue Jays have an American League-worst 38-44 record, 14.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for the division. On top of that, they are 6.5 games back of the final Wild Card with four teams to jump over. The odds aren’t impossible, but with a -44 run differential, this team is trending towards selling.
On Sunday, it was reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that the Blue Jays will add Yusei Kikuchi, Danny Jansen. Yimi García, Kevin Kiermaier, and Justin Turner on the trade block. However, it looks like they are keeping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
There are several players who could be traded that weren’t mentioned, like Trevor Richards, who’s had a great season and is an expiring free agent. On top of that, Chad Green has an extra season on his deal, and could be moved.
Earlier this season, Nightengale reported that the Baltimore Orioles were eyeing several high-leverage relievers to close, including Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals, Ryan Pressly of the Houston Astros, and Jordan Romano.
Due to the injury, especially if it’s a long-term injury, Romano may not be available to be traded at the 2024 trade deadline, which could hamper the Blue Jays attempt to re-tool.

If the Jays decide to try to make the postseason…

Of course, it goes both ways as well. The Blue Jays won’t win the American League East, but a 6.5 deficit isn’t impossible to come back from with half the season remaining. They need to start winning, and they need their bullpen to be better.
The bats started the season cold, but the bullpen has been the team’s real issue, as I outlined in this article on Sunday morning.
Three of Toronto’s high-leverage relievers have had abysmal seasons, including Romano. After starting the season on the Injured List with elbow inflammation, Romano posted a 6.59 ERA and a 6.16 FIP in 13.2 innings pitched, picking up eight saves in nine attempts. Sadly, his K% dropped from 29% to 21%, a big reason why Romano has struggled this season.
The Jays need him at his best, and they can’t get their star closer at his best if he isn’t pitching. On top of numerous other injuries and poor performances, the Blue Jays bullpen is in dire need of help this season.

At the end of the day

If Jordan Romano is out long-term, it’s awful any way you slice it. For the player, he’s missing serious time, for the team, they either can’t trade him to get the max value, nor can they rely on him to pitch in high-leverage scenarios.
Hopefully, his visit with Dr. Keith Meister goes well.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.

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