by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/16/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero continued to have command problems in his second start Thursday for Triple-A Buffalo. Romero, who walked five in his Buffalo debut, walked six batters in 3 2/3 innings Thursday.
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.
Ricky Romero awful in first start since demotion
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero, who was optioned to the minors after two poor starts, didn't fare much better in his season debut for Triple-A Buffalo Saturday. Romero allowed six runs on 10 hits and five walks in 3 2/3 innings, without recording a strikeout.
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."
Ricky Romero optioned after 2 poor starts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) The Blue Jays optioned starting pitcher Ricky Romero to Triple-A Buffalo Thursday. It comes less than 24 hours after Romero couldn't get out of the first inning of Wednesday's start at Tampa Bay.
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.
Ricky Romero can't get out of first
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero entered Wednesday's outing at Tampa Bay coming off leaving a start against the Mariners early due to a forearm issue. He had an even shorter evening against the Rays, though it wasn't due to injury.
Romero, making just his second start since being recalled from the minors, only managed to retire one batter in his performance Wednesday. Given a 2-0 lead when Edwin Encarnacion homered in the top of the first, Romero gave up three earned runs on four hits and two walks and was removed after recording just one out. Things could have been worse, but reliever Edgar Gonzalez managed to work out of the bases-loaded jam he inherited.
Romero needed 29 pitches to retire one batter and he was far too hittable as 16 went for strikes. After two outings, Romero is 0-2 and has thrown 4 1/3 innings, giving up six runs for an ERA of 12.46. If Toronto chooses to give him another start, it would come Tuesday against San Francisco.
Ricky Romero has forearm issue
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Blue Jays starter Ricky Romerohad X-rays on his left forearm after he left a start for Toronto Friday against the Mariners in the fourth inning, the National Post reports.
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."
Ricky Romero struggles in season debut
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) After a rough season in 2012 and a tough spring training, Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero made his season debut Friday night against the Mariners.
Romero endured a rough outing as he surrendered a two-run shot to Kyle Seager in the fourth inning. The left-hander permitted three runs and three hits in four innings of work in a 4-0 defeat. He struck out four and walked out three in 70 pitches, 38 strikes.
Romero is scheduled to start Wednesday at Tampa Bay. He went 1-1 with a 9.69 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay last year.
Ricky Romero worth AL-only consideration
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/2/2013) There may be a point this season -- perhaps it will be in the next few weeks -- when Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero will again be relevant in mixed leagues. But with a handful of assorted risks (knee issues and elbow surgery, along with a terrible spring training) outweighing the recent strides (tweaked mechanics and a dominant start Saturday for Dunedin), Romero is best left to AL-only formats for now.
Romero pitched through elbow and knee pain for most of 2012, resulting in a 5.77 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. But in 435 innings in 2010 and 2011, a healthy Romero had a 3.31 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, improving his ratios and most measurable stats from 2010 to 2011. It's never comforting to hear things like "re-worked mechanics," but it could have just been a matter of getting Romero back to what worked for him before making injury-fueled adjustments.
Is he a must-add for AL-only teams? No. But Romero is a decent gamble with a nice track record who could stick around in the rotation if he proves to be fixed.
Ricky Romero rejoining Blue Jays' rotation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) The Blue Jays announced Thursday starting pitcher Ricky Romero will be recalled from Class A Dunedin to start Friday's game against the Mariners after Josh Johnson (triceps) was placed on the disabled list. Romero was scheduled to pitch Thursday for Dunedin.
Romero, who was demoted to the minors after a horrid spring, allowed one run in seven innings in his only start for Dunedin Saturday.
Blue Jays ready to bring back Ricky Romero?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said starting pitcher Ricky Romero will make another start for Class A Dunedin Thursday. Following Thursday's outing, the team will discuss where Romero will make his next start.
Gibbons said management has discussed the possibility of promoting Romero if a starter has to be placed on the disabed list. Romero made his first start for Dunedin Saturday, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings. He struck out four.
Ricky Romero steps in right direction
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero took his first positive step toward coming back to the major league rotation on Saturday for Class A Dunedin, MLB.com reports. Romero tossed seven quality innings in a start.
He allowed just one run on six hits and struck out four. Even more impressive, Romero didn't walk a batter. Romero had been held out of games until this point as the Jays wanted him to work on mechanics.
"I don't know yet at this point," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said when asked what the next step for Romero is. The GM realizes he'll never completely avoid the walks, but he'd like Romero to continue limiting them at least.
"He just basically brings [the glove] down to his belt, little things to take away the moving parts overall, sometimes he'd rock back, balance and things like that," Anthopoulos said. "Dane Johnson is encouraged by it and the results are obviously good. I know it's a Florida State League game, but overall, Dane has done a really good job with him."
When Romero will eventually return to the majors is still unknown. An opening could be created if R.A. Dickey or Josh Johnson needs a stint on the disabled list.
Ricky Romero pitches well at Class A
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero made his first start for Class A Dunedin Saturday night against Brevard County. He allowed a run on five hits over seven innings. The left-hander also struck out four with no walks.
Earlier in the day, Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker told MLB.com he has been impressed with Romero's improved mechanics.
"I haven't seen it first-hand, but I've seen some video and things look good," Walker said. "His direction looks good, arm action is good. I think it's an adjustment he was eager to make, which is great, and I think it comes down to him wanting to make the adjustment. He did, and I think he's happy where he's at right now."
Ricky Romero to make minor-league debut Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/25/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero, who is working back into major-league pitching shape, is scheduled to make his first start at Class A Dunedin Saturday, according to Sportsnet.ca.
Romero has been in extended spring training, working on his mechanics. The Blue Jays are expected to take a cautious approach with Romero, especially with J.A. Happ pitching well lately.
Ricky Romero not 'there' yet
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero continues to toil in Florida as he hopes to get back into major-league pitching shape, the National Post reports. Romero has thrown in a simulated game and will throw in at least another before getting into a real game.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Tuesday that Romero has shown progress, but he's still "not all the way there yet." It appears it could be some time before Romero is back with the Blue Jays.
Ricky Romero keeping side job for now
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero is expected to continue working on his mechanics in side sessions before he enters a game for Class A Dunedin, MLB.com reports. Romero was demoted to the minors at the end of spring training after being unable to shake the flaws in his command that led to 105 walks in 181 innings last season.
"Pounding the strike zone, that's his number one thing," Toronto manager John Gibbons said Tuesday. "When Ricky throws strikes, he gets outs. He has great life on his ball. ... We still don't know yet when he's going to get into a game, but I don't think that's too far off."
Blue Jays taking it slowly with Ricky Romero
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero, currently with Class A Dunedin after he did not make the rotation out of spring training, still does not yet have his first start scheduled, reports the National Post.
Toronto director of minor-league operations Charlie Wilson said Romero still needs to work on things before he's scheduled for a start.
Blue Jays announce Class A rotation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) The Blue Jays announced the projected starting rotation for Class A Dunedin Monday, according to the National Post. The rotation will feature Aaron Sanchez, Casey Lawrence, Jesse Hernandez, Ricky Romero and Scott Copeland.
Sanchez is considered the team's top prospect by MLB.com. Baseball America has him ranked fourth. None of the other starters are listed among MLB.com's top 20 prospects in the Toronto organization.
GM explains Ricky Romero being sent to Dunedin
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told the National Post that Ricky Romero was sent to Class A Dunedin to "get him right." The team chose to send the left-hander to Dunedin instead of a higher affiliate to work on mechanics in less pressure,. The warm Florida weather was also a factor.
Romero, the Blue Jays' opening day starter in 2012, posted a 6.23 ERA in five Grapefruit League starts. J.A. Happ will serve as the No. 5 starter for Toronto.
Stashing Ricky Romero probably a waste
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/26/2013) Yup, that about sums it up. Ricky Romero is going to Class A Dunedin instead of Toronto because he's, well, a mess. With the Blue Jays tinkering with his delivery this late into spring training, and no progress evident in the results, it was inevitable, really. He simply needs more time.
Will he be worth the time? And the space? Would you invest a precious bench spot in a player the Blue Jays are having to remake -- one with no timetable for his return? Outside of AL-only leagues, I think you lose far more than you gain with that approach.
Ricky Romero loses out on rotation battle
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) In a surprise move, the Blue Jays optioned pitcher Ricky Romero to Class-A Dunedin after his final Grapefruit League start Tuesday. Romero, who allowed three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings, posted a 6.23 ERA in five starts this spring.
The moves means J.A. Happ will likely break camp in the rotation.
Did Ricky Romero do enough Tuesday?
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero may have done just enough Tuesday to remain a starter and in the rotation when Toronto breaks camp and heads north.
Romero took the mound for his final Grapefruit League start against the Pirates Tuesday and pitched fairly well. He allowed three runs -- two earned -- on six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings. Romero struck out two and his spring ERA is 6.23.
Toronto manager John Gibbons backed Romero Monday and he'll likely begin the year as the No. 5 starter for the Blue Jays.
Gibbons still has faith in Ricky Romero
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero continues to struggle this spring over four Grapefruit League starts, though manager John Gibbons still has faith, MLB.com reports Sunday.
"The good ones get it back," Gibbons said of Romero, who has posted a 7.27 ERA over his Grapefruit production to this point.
Although the manager has Romero's back, Gibbons said it is also about results "when push comes to shove."
"You like to take care of everybody, because of what kind of individual they are, but the name of the game is win," Gibbons said. "Just want to see some consistency, throw a lot of strikes. When he does that he's fine. He's got a good arm, he's getting the ball, he's got good life on his ball. And that's the thing, walks have always been his Achilles heel."
Ricky Romero struggles in minor-league game
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero continued his spring struggles with an ugly outing in a minor-league game Thursday, allowing four runs and five walks while pitching 2 2/3 innings.
When asked by a reporter whether Romero's rotation spot was in doubt, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said to MLB.com: "We evaluate it start by start. We've said we have our five starters, he's one of our five starters. As we go through it, the first conversation I've had about it is right now."
The Blue Jays have a quality sixth starter in J.A. Happ standing by to jump into the rotation should the team decide to pull Romero.
Don't even bother with Ricky Romero
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/21/2013) Coming into the spring, I held out hope that Ricky Romero might be able to recapture the form that made him a Fantasy mainstay in 2010 and 2011. It was blind hope, but it was hope nonetheless.
Based on what I've seen this spring, that hope is all but gone, at least for this year.
The nail in the coffin was when the Blue Jays revealed they were experimenting with his delivery in an effort to improve his command. Clearly, he needs it. He has more walks than strikeouts this spring. But 10 days out from the start of the season, if he's still in the tinkering stage, he's not getting it figured out any time soon.
I can do better in the late rounds.
Ricky Romero tinkers with delivery
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Toronto Blue Jays beleaguered starter Ricky Romero and the coaching staff have announced Tuesday that they have a new experiment to help the one-time staff ace return to solid and consistent pitching, reports the National Post.
Romero, who went from 15-11 with a 2.92 ERA in 2011 to 9-14 with a 5.77 ERA last year over the same number (32) of starts. He struck out 178 batters in 2011 and 124 last year.
The Blue Jays only made minor adjustments to his windup -- a small twist in his hips and a tiny step to the right on the mound -- but they expect that to get his delivery on more of a straight line once again in the hopes that will help him better command the strike zone.
The results haven't been impressive as he's allowed seven runs -- including three homers -- in 8 2/3 innings with six Ks this spring.
Ricky Romero not dwelling on negatives
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/15/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero allowed three runs and five hits, including a long home run by Jhonny Peralta, over three innings during Toronto's 4-2 loss to Detroit in a Grapefruit League outing Friday.
Romero, who notched four strikeouts and two walks, owns a 7.27 ERA this spring. He's not worried.
After going 15-11 in 2011, Romero slumped to a 9-14 record with a 5.77 ERA in 2012. He was the second-oldest pitcher in the Jays' rotation, and this year he is the second-youngest.
Romero said he is working on his confidence more than anything else.
"It's all about having confidence," Romero said. "I have talked with vets who say they always get their butts kicked in the spring, so I have a reason to be confident. I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am working on things I need to work on and I'll be ready when it's time."
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/9/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero surrendered two runs -- one earned -- and three hits over two innings during Toronto's Grapefruit League outing against Detroit on Saturday. Romero allowed a run in each of the two innings he pitched, including one on a solo homer by Andy Dirks in the first inning -- the second time he's been taken deep this spring. He also walked three batters and tallied just one strikeout. Manager John Gibbons is confident enough in Romero that he doesn't intend to skip over his fifth starter in the rotation when open dates early in the season provide the possibility. "We'll let those guys all do their thing because we feel so good about all of them," he said. "Usually you do that if you've got some guy who's that question mark in that fifth slot."
Romero goes a little deeper
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/3/2013) Toronto starter Ricky Romero made a Grapefruit League start on Sunday against Philadelphia. Romero, making his second appearance of the spring, lasted two innings as he allowed a run on a hit and a walk. The run scored in the first inning as his second was scoreless. Romero struck out one and his ERA on the spring is now at 7.36. Romero was able to lower his spring ERA after giving up two runs over 1 2/3 innings in his debut. "A hitter tells you a lot by his swings," he told MLB.com. "[The curveball] felt good for me out of my hand. I felt like the delivery is smoothing out a lot better. It's a work in progress. Early in spring, second start, I definitely feel pretty good."
Romero can't make it two frames
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/26/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero didn't make it out of the second inning during his spring debut Tuesday against the Twins. Romero had an efficient 1-2-3 first inning, but he ran into trouble in the second. Justin Morneau led off with a single to left field and Romero retired the next two hitters before Joe Benson clubbed a two-run homer. Romero walked the next batter and was then lifted for a reliever. Romero was charged with two runs on two hits and one walk in 1 2/3 innings. He didn't record a strikeout. "I'm going to use this spring to work on my sinker," Romero said. "I think that's basically about 90 percent of what we threw, maybe 95. I'm just trying to get that pitch back and get it under control."
Jays monitoring Romero's knees
(2/18/2013) MLB.com reports the Blue Jays have been monitoring starter Ricky Romero this spring after the left-hander received platelet-rich plasma injections in both knees during the offseason. While the issue is not being considered serious, the club wants to make sure the tendinitis in both knees don't get worse. "We keep an eye on him," manager John Gibbons said Monday. "If he's barking, we'll shut him down or lighten the load, but when you have them at this stage of your career, it's probably going to bother you your whole career. You basically just have to deal with it, there's not structural problems, but you just grin and bear it, I guess."
Romero getting help from Buehrle
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/15/2013) Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero, coming back from an offseason that included elbow surgery and two sets of PRP injections in his knees, told the Toronto Sun that fellow lefty Mark Buehrle has already given him a hard time about issuing so many free passes. “Mark’s been getting on me about my walks,” Romero said. “I’m definitely going to pick his brain."
Romero learns from mistakes
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/10/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero labored through knee and elbow injuries last season, which contributed to the worst year of his MLB career. But he admits it's an experience he can grow from, according to the Toronto Sun. “I just need to be a little smarter when it comes to pitching through soreness,” he said. “Not that I was badly hurt. But every year, you stop and reflect, whether it has been a good year or a bad one. The best thing that comes out of either situation is that you learn something that helps you move on. What you have to realize is that baseball can be crazy sometimes. No matter how hard you prepare, how hard you work at it, this game can do some funny things to you. It was one bad year, compared to the three good ones. It’s fair for people to look at it however they want. For me, I’m going to be ready for this season.”
Romero pegged as No. 5 starter
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (2/5/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons announced his starting rotation for the 2013 season Tuesday afternoon. R.A. Dickey will be take the ball on opening day against the Indians and be followed by Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and Ricky Romero.
