Toronto Blue Jays Pitching Woes Continue: Romano Shut Down, Mayza Designated for Assignment

Toronto Blue Jays‘ bullpen depth is facing further challenges as veteran reliever Tim Mayza has been designated for assignment while Jordan Romano, the team’s closer, has been shut down due to ongoing elbow discomfort, as announced by manager John Schneider on Saturday. The decisions come as a blow to the Blue Jays’ pitching arsenal.

Romano, a two-time All-Star, is set to consult with renowned physician Dr. Keith Meister in Texas next Tuesday to further address his persistent elbow pain. The pitcher had already missed part of spring training and the beginning of the regular season due to similar issues, landing on the injured list once again on June 1, with retroactive effect from May 30.

This season, Romano has struggled with a 1-2 record, an elevated 6.59 ERA, and eight saves in nine opportunities. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Blue Jays’ late-game strategies as they navigate through the challenges of the season.

On a parallel front, the Blue Jays have taken a decisive step with Mayza, a long-standing player within the organization, by designating him for assignment. Amid a tough season where Mayza showcased a 0-1 record and an 8.03 ERA in 35 appearances, the Blue Jays have opted to send him to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Mayza, a reliable presence in the bullpen across seven seasons with the Blue Jays, leaves a noticeable void in the team’s left-handed pitching options. His departure marks a significant shift in the team’s roster dynamics, with the hope of addressing existing challenges with fresh strategies and player rotations.

The reintroduction of right-hander Jose Cuas from the Buffalo Bisons adds a new dimension to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, providing a potential boost in a time of need. Cuas will aim to contribute positively and help stabilize the team’s bullpen amidst the recent setbacks.