Blue Jays beloved former closer Jordan Romano officially done with the Angels

That move landed hard because Romano was not some low-risk camp arm hanging on by a thread. The Angels signed him this winter hoping he could steady the ninth inning.

Instead, the first month got away from him fast. ESPN's game log lists Romano with a 6.14 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 4 saves over 7 1/3 innings this season.

The collapse really showed up in the middle of April. On April 13 against the Yankees, Romano did not record an out and gave up 3 earned runs. Two days later, he allowed 2 more earned runs in 1/3 of an inning in another loss at New York.

That kind of stretch is hard for any reliever to survive, especially one brought in to protect leads. By Sunday, MLB.com reported the Angels had reshaped the roster and made Romano the most notable bullpen casualty.

The club did not stop there. MLB Trade Rumors reported the Angels selected Joey Lucchesi, recalled José Fermin, and also designated Shaun Anderson for assignment as part of the same bullpen reset.

For Blue Jays fans, this one carries a different sting. Romano was not just another former Toronto reliever. He was a Markham-born closer who became one of the most popular arms this franchise has had in years.

From 2021 through 2023, Romano was one of the better late-game relievers in the American League. MLB's player page notes he posted 23 saves with a 2.14 ERA in 2023 and tied Ken Giles for the best single-season save percentage in team history at 95.8 percent.

That is why this fall feels so steep. The version Toronto fans remember was loud, emotional and usually reliable once the bullpen gate opened. The version the Angels got could not hold the same line.

It also adds to a rough career stretch. The New York Post reported Romano joined the Angels on a 1-year, $2 million deal after an 8.23 ERA season with the Phillies in 2025.

So this was more than one bad week. It was a club deciding the bounce-back bet had already become too shaky to keep forcing in late innings.

Romano could still catch on somewhere else. Relievers with swing-and-miss stuff and a closing track record usually get another look, even after a DFA. That said, this is no longer a slump teams can ignore.

For now, the headline is simple and ugly. Jordan Romano, once a beloved Blue Jays closer, is a roster casualty again after the Angels decided they could not wait for the old version to return.