After Team Italy pitcher Sam Gaviglio struck out DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres to pitch a scoreless third inning against the New York Yankees in a spring training game on February 22, 2020, Azzurri hurler Jordan Romano came out of the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen to pitch a scoreless fourth inning which included a strikeout of Gio Urchela. Toronto Star columnist Gregor Chisholm reported that Jordan Romano was hitting 98 mph with his fastball.
The 26-year-old Italian Canadian pitcher made his second Blue Jays spring training relief appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies on February 25 when he struck out Simon Muzziotti and Bryce Harper to hold the Phils scoreless. Jordan Romano returned on February 29 against the Phillies to pick up his first MLB spring training game win. Entering with the contest tied 5-5 in the top of the eighth inning, he once again held Philadelphia scoreless with two strikeouts. Toronto came back in the bottom of the eighth inning to get the go-ahead run and eventually secure the 6-5 victory for Jordan Romano. With the win, the Toronto Blue Jays improve their record to 5-1 in 2020 spring training and trail Grapefruit League leaders Miami Marlins (6-1) by one-half game.
After making eight straight scoreless appearances in 10.1 innings with 15 strikeouts and two walks for Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons last season, Jordan Romano made his MLB debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on June 12, 2019. He appeared in 17 big-league games and struck out 21 batters in 15.1 innings of relief. If Jordan Romano continues to impress with his high-octane gas in spring training, he may find himself on the 26-man opening day roster as a potential set-up man for Toronto Blue Jays closer Ken Giles. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
