Jordan Romano Redemption Meter is on the rise after 1-2-3 outing vs Cardinals

It took long enough, but Jordan Romano might finally be settling into his role with the Phillies. And if the last couple of weeks are any indication, the bullpen might finally have the late-game right-handed weapon they thought they were getting when they signed the former Blue Jays closer.

Just four days ago, I wrote the first edition of the Romano Redemption Meter and after another 1-2-3 outing in the first game of the Phillies’ doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals, I’m happy to report that the meter continues to trend in the right direction.

As everyone painfully knows already, Jordan Romano’s start in red pinstripes was flat-out ugly. He wasn’t just bad — he was historically bad. That six-run meltdown on April 19 sent his ERA ballooning to 15.26. For a guy who was once an All-Star closer, it looked like the wheels had completely come off.

But credit where it’s due — Romano didn’t fold. And with Rob Thomson running out of options, he kept running him back out there. Since that disaster, Jordan Romano has made eight appearances, and seven of them have been clean. The fastball is ticking up and the slider has become the pitch he’s leaned into to get right.

Romano himself admitted it. He’s taking a little off the slider, using it more as a get-me-over pitch early in counts, especially against lefties. Drop it in the zone, get ahead, and suddenly everything else plays off that. It’s the version of Romano that Philly fans were sold on back in the winter. And now it’s finally showing up in box scores.

His last two outings were exactly what you want from a late-inning guy. Four strikeouts combined against the Guardians and Cardinals, both games ending with Romano locking down the save. That’s the dude who racked up 36 saves in Toronto. That’s the guy who can complement Jose Alvarado and finally bring some balance back to this bullpen.

Jordan Romano 1-2-3

Easy as 1️⃣,2️⃣,3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/qstuDUovCU
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 14, 2025

Now if the Phillies could just figure out Aaron Nola. His issues are a whole other mess after that blow-up against the Cardinals. But for now, Romano might just be the comeback story this bullpen desperately needed.