The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed the void left by Joe Blanton reaching free agency by signing Sergio Romo to a one-year contract. While Romo had spent his nine-year career with the San Francisco Giants, he grew up an avid Dodgers fan.
The right-hander spoke fondly of jumping to the other side of the rivalry, but actual time spent pitching for the Dodgers this spring has been limited. Romo appeared in two Cactus League games prior to joining Team Mexico for the World Baseball Classic, alongside fellow Dodgers, Adrian Gonzalez and Alex Verudgo.
Romo threw a combined two scoreless innings and had five strikeouts in those games. He didn’t fare quite as well in the WBC, allowing three runs on four hits in 1.1 innings pitched.
Romo returned to Dodgers camp with back stiffness that kept him out for a little over a week. He returned to game action on Sunday against the Oakland Athletic, pitching a perfect inning in his first outing since returning from the WBC.
After the appearance Romo said the back issue is behind him, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“I feel good physically,” Romo said. “That was more of a concern going into the last couple days when I threw bullpens. Just because I wasn’t good, period. Now I feel fine. I feel loose, limber.”
Beyond the key role Romo already expected to fill, a positive injury report is of particular importance to the Dodgers, as fellow right-handed relievers Pedro Baez and Josh Ravin are expected to begin the season on the disabled list.
The 34-year-old Romo presumably will make another appearance or two in a Spring Training game prior to Opening Day of the 2017 season.
