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Jordan Romano Cites Hard Work for Recent Turnaround with Phillies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated May 14, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Jordan Romano's tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies almost ended before it truly began. The former Toronto Blue Jays closer struggled mightily to begin 2025, with an ERA that stayed well above 9 through the end of April.

But recently, it seems the 32-year-old has unlocked a past form.

Romano has tossed six straight scoreless innings while allowing only three baserunners. During the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader, Romano struck out the side in the ninth for his third save in the stretch and fourth of the season. While his fastball only reached 95 mph, he still picked up five swing-and-misses, four of which came on sliders.

After the 2-1 win, he discussed his turnaround with NBC Sports Philadelphia.

"It was a terrible start," Romano said in his postgame interview. "I just never gave up. Keep practicing, keep grinding every day, and good things will happen, so that's what I'm doing right now."

Even on a rainy weekday afternoon, the Philly faithful still packed Citizens Bank Park and watched Romano lock down the win. He's been booed off the mound more than once this year, but this time, he earned a chorus of triumphant cheers.

"It was awesome," Romano said. "That feeling, it's something you can't buy."

It's much more in line with what Philadelphia envisioned: a lockdown arm at the end of the bullpen. If Romano can maintain this form, the $8.5 million he signed for could end up as a bargain after all.

It will also provide some much needed relief to José Alvarado, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering, who to this point have been Philly's only dependable relievers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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