TORONTO – Unofficial activation until Wednesday, Blue Jays pitcher Sergio Romo watched from a stadium restaurant as his new team won the Boston victory a night earlier at the Rogers Center.
Enjoying a drink on his own after passing his physique, the 39-year-old reliever, three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants, was impressed.
“Just the fight, these guys want to win and hope to win,” Romo said in a media availability before the match. “They proved it yesterday. Back against the ropes and they still fought it and it wasn’t just one blow either. It was a blow, a walk, this and that.
“Everyone contributed, so it was great. It was fun to watch and I’m glad to be here.”
The Blue Jays agreed the terms with the right-hander on a one-year contract for the league. Toronto also picked right-back Shaun Anderson at Triple-A Buffalo and transferred left-back Tayler Saucedo to the 60-day injury list.
Romo, who spent a month at IL this season due to a swollen right shoulder, was recently released by Seattle after posting an average of 8.16 in 17 games. He was 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA in 66 appearances last year with Oakland and has a 42-35 mark during his 15-year career with an E20 ERA.
“I come here fearless, happy and grateful, so let’s go,” Romo said. “I’m hungry too. I want to win. I’ve been blessed with three rings. At the end of my career, I wouldn’t mind being able to say there are four.”
It didn’t take long for him to settle down. Romo, attractive and affable, was making his way to the clubhouse with his new teammates before the final of a three-game series against the Red Sox.
This type of interaction may be where the native of Brawley, California, is most valuable.
It is unclear how much gasoline is left in the tank and in what kind of leverage situation it will be used. But if his championship pedigree can affect a young team, even if it’s just with a casual chat at the bullpen, then Romo could be an asset.
“I’m excited to add their experience, their skills, their track record to the organization,” CEO Ross Atkins said. “I’m very excited about his mentality and I think our team is excited too.”
The right-wing veteran also has a history with Blue Jays coach Charlie Montoyo. Romo played for Tampa Bay for parts of two seasons (’17, ’18) when Montoyo was part of the Rays coaching staff.
“Well, you know he’s not going to be nervous in any situation,” Montoyo said. “We know for sure.”
After an extensive 20-minute chat with reporters, Romo smiled as he threw balls into the field to receiver Alex Andreopoulos before the game.
“I notice that they have this camaraderie here, plus the talent and aspirations,” Romo said. “It’s a little hard not to be excited to be here.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 29, 2022.
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