He allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and struck out one. Romero has a 9.82 ERA through two starts. He allowed six runs and 10 hits in his first start Saturday.

Pitching coach Pete Walker, however, chalks up the bad outing to a quick turnaround for the left-handed hurler.

"I think any time anybody has [gone] from the big leagues to the minor leagues, it's always a letdown," Walker said, per MLB.com. "Those Triple-A hitters can swing the bat. I mean, there's a lot of good players down there, and I'm sure most major leaguers can attest to that. You think you can just go out there and do what you need to do, but they swing the bat, and they can put you in some tough situations."

Romero continues to work on his altered delivery, which no longer includes bringing both hands above his head during the windup. 

"He's moved his foot in line to home plate about 12 to 14 inches over," Walker said. "It's an adjustment, but it's not like we're changing arm slot and changing major things. It's an undertaking, though, don't get me wrong. I still think it takes a lot of work and time. But I think, you know, he's made a commitment to it, and I think still in the long run, it's better for him. It's just a matter of him getting results."

Romero is 0-2 with a 12.46 ERA in two starts since replacing Josh Johnson in the rotation. No immediate plans have been announced for Romero's replacement in the rotation.

The 28-year-old Romero, who was making his season debut, allowed three earned runs on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts in the loss. He threw 70 pitches. 

Romero's next start -- Wednesday at Tampa Bay -- is in jeopardy, despite the X-rays coming back negative.  

"I don’t know, we’ll see," Romero said. "It’s a little stiff right now."