Markham native won’t be able to pick up a ball for at least six weeks

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The story of Jordan Romano’s season hasn’t exactly been closed, but it’s trending in that direction for the Blue Jays’ closer.

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Once word got out that the Markham native would be paying an in-person visit with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, the same surgeon who performed a season-ending procedure to Alek Manoah, the writing was on the wall.

In the hours prior to first pitch Wednesday night, the Jays announced Romano had underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to repair an impingement.

Per the club, Romano will be down from throwing for at least six weeks.

When he gets cleared to pick up a baseball, the Blue Jays’ roster might look completely different from the team Romano has grown accustomed.

Barring a complete miracle, the Blue Jays will miss the playoffs and figure to be sellers prior to the July 30 MLB trade deadline.

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Assuming Romano is able to resume pitching once that six-week window has expired, it may not make any sense to risk any further setback.

The Romano news is the latest in a series of blows that have befallen the team’s bullpen, which was quite good last season.

The 2024 campaign was shaping up to be strong with a healthy Romano, Yimi Garcia and Erik Swanson slotted in high leverage.

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Swanson is in triple-A trying to regain his form, while Garcia is inching closer to returning to the big leagues following his own elbow issue.

Not to be forgotten is Tim Mayza, whose pitching has been regrettable this season, prompting the Jays to take the final step by designated for assignment the team’s longest-tenured player.

In terms of available arms in the pen, the most reliable has been Trevor Richards, who has also been used as an opener.

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After taking a 7-0 lead Tuesday, the Houston Astros put a scare into the Jays by scoring six runs.

Houston had the potential game-tying run at second base following a leadoff double in the ninth.

Chad Green restored order to record the save after Nate Pearson provided the Jays with two scoreless innings in relief.

In the absence of a legitimate closer, Green has stepped into that role as the defacto closer.

Keep in mind Romano had been on the injured list because of right elbow inflammation for almost a month

In fact, his throwing progression had been halted for a second time because of continued soreness.

The team had hoped the findings of an imaging, which showed no structural damage, provided an encouraging sign.

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Once the decision was made to visit Dr. Meister, it was just a matter of identifying the severity of Romano’s elbow.

Romano has been Toronto’s closer for the past three seasons.

He pitched in last year’s all-star game held in Seattle only to come out of the game in the seventh inning because of left lower back tightness.

Romano earned his first trip to the all-star game in 2022.

His 2024 season has featured more lows than highs, which pretty much sums up the plight of the Blue Jays.

In 15 appearances this season, Romano sported a 6.59 ERA.

Simply put, he hasn’t been the same since recording back-to-back seasons of 36 saves.

Back in mid-April, Romano did record his 100th-career save, becoming the fifth player in Blue Jays history to reach the milestone number.
He joined Tom Henke (217), Duane Ward (121), Roberto Osuna (104) and Billy Koch (100).

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