Jordan Romano’s early struggles could prompt a tough bullpen decision for Phillies

The Phillies made only a few additions this offseason, two of which were free-agent pitching signings. One of those players, Jordan Romano, was supposed to fill the gap left by two of the better relievers in the pen last year departing in free agency. So far, things have gotten off to an icy cold start for the veteran right-hander.

Inside Jordan Romano’s slow start with the Phillies

At times, Romano’s outings have looked downright ugly compared to what one might expect and changes may already be brewing in the pecking order at the end of games. Romano was brought into a team with World Series aspirations to toe the rubber in situations just like the one he came into Sunday afternoon. Philadelphia’s manager, Rob Thomson called on Romano to face Andy Pages, Ohtani and Mookie Betts with a two-run lead in the seventh inning.

Just one batter into Romano’s outing, a lead-off single by Pages, and Thomson already phoned the pen to get someone else warm. His new high-leverage option was down in velocity – and not for the first time in this young year. The previous time, Thomson explained away as he felt Romano had insufficient time to get warmed up. This time, he was concerned:

“It’s something we gotta check into, because everything out of the training room – there’s no red flags, he feels fine,” Thomson said. “So I don’t know whether it’s kind of a dead arms issue or what, but (the velocity) concerns me a little bit.”

Romano couldn’t stop the bleeding. After Pages’ single, he walked Ohtani and allowed a RBI double to Betts – who would go on to score as well, tying the game. Orion Kerkering relieved him, and he walked off the field to a chorus of boos.

The two-time All-Star averaged 96.8 mph with his fastball back in 2023, the last season he was fully healthy as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He even reached 97.9 mph this past Thursday against the Rockies. On Sunday, he topped out at 94.1. Several of his pitches have looked flat resulting in hard hit balls and walks. Allowing runners is dangerous for Romano, as his high leg kick allows baserunners time to run – evidenced by the three steals he allowed in his first outing of the season

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Romano isn’t able to come up with any answers himself, either.

“Usually when I rear back and want to get one, it’s 96, 98 (mph). Today it just wasn’t there,” Romano told reporters after Sunday’s game. “I feel fine physically. I’m just … I’m not sure. I’m trying to throw a good heater, and it’s just not … it wasn’t there today.“

“It’s just something I’m definitely going to have to figure out pretty soon.”

Romano has struggled, and yes that can be frustrating, but on the flip side – he seems to be the only one of the bullpen regulars experiencing much trouble that he can’t escape thus far. Jordan has allowed seven earned runs in 4.0+ innings, where the rest of his relief compatriots have totaled just five runs across a combined 23.2 frames – good for a 1.90 ERA. Despite some tougher outings from Matt Strahm and José Alvarado, the rest of the pen has been able to escape any traffic with minimal damage.

This unexpected rocky start for Romano has forced the Phillies manager to begin having some tough conversations that he didn’t expect to have so soon. One of those talks will be about who to turn to in high leverage spots while they figure out Romano’s situation. Yes, Thomson has his go-to guys in Kerkering, Strahm, and Alvarado – but another right-handed option would be important to have.

Could Topper turn to Joe Ross?

Joe Ross, another off-season acquisition, may just be the next man Thomson turns to. He hinted as much when asked about Ross prior to Sunday’s game:

“I see him as a guy that can give us a couple of innings, a little bit of bulk,” Thomson said. “and I also see him, I mean, based on his stuff yesterday is kind of a leverage guy too, so he’s a good piece to have.”

Ross looked great Saturday across two innings of work. He led his outing with a strikeout before enduing weaker contact to four of the next five hitters he faced to retire all six in order. Mostly, he kept hitters looking in opposite directions with a healthy dose of sinkers and sliders, while sneaking in an occasional four-seamer and one change-up.

Ross was originally brought in as a long option, but after Taijuan Walker was forced into the rotation by Ranger Suárez’s injury, the Phillies claimed Carlos Hernández from Kansas City instead of turning to Ross. This allows them to be more flexible in what the veteran right-hander can offer his club.

Three members of the bullpen – Strahm, Kerkering, and Tanner Banks – don’t have an earned run to their name yet this season – even if it hasn’t looked perfect. Add to the fact that Walker looked good in his first outing, and the Phillies have the depth and quality of arms to take their time with Romano to figure out what is going on.

In the meantime, their savior may just be the other pitcher who signed on with the National League East Champions in the off-season. While it was not clear the immediate plans for Romano, you can be sure the team will be evaluating him and his physical condition very closely. In the mean time, Ross may very well be the man Thomson turns to in a tight spot when he needs a right-handed hurler.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images