Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano won’t return to the Major Leagues in 2024

Romano appeared in only 15 games this season, posting a 6.59 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, and 2.6 BB/9 over 13.2 innings. He missed the first 17 games of the season with elbow inflammation that began in late March and was activated on April 16th after making two appearances in Triple-A Buffalo. He was placed back on the IL for elbow inflammation on May 31st. After a setback in his throwing progression, he visited notable sports medicine specialist Dr. Keith Meister to get a second opinion. He would undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair an impingement in his right elbow shortly after the visit, putting the remainder of his season in jeopardy.

Romano’s absence was just one of many obstacles that Toronto’s bullpen faced this season. Tim Mayza was DFA’d after posting an 8.03 ERA across 35 games, Yimi García missed a handful of games with an elbow injury of his own, and Erik Swanson has only pitched in 34 games this season after a demotion to Triple-A Buffalo in late May. Because of that, the Blue Jays have been handing high-leverage innings to unexpected names such as Brendon Little, Zach Pop, and Ryan Burr.

Bringing Romano back this season would’ve been an impressive feat, especially considering his surgery and the velocity he needed to build back up. Still, he now gets to head into the offseason preparing for his final year under club control. If the goal is still to compete in 2025, having a healthy Romano in the backend of that bullpen can only help that cause.