SEATTLE (AP) — Toronto closer Jordan Romano left Tuesday night's All-Star Game because of back tightness.
The 30-year-old right-hander entered for the seventh inning and retired Will Smith on a flyout. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. followed with a fly deep down the left-field line that initially was called a home run by Ryan Blakney but was reversed by replay umpire Jim Wolf in a video review.
While the review was taking place, Detroit's Michael Lorenzen relieved.
Romano threw five pitches.
“He threw his last pitch in the bullpen before he went out there, he just felt a little tightness in his lower back, and we got to take every precaution to take care of these players,” AL manager Dusty Baker of Houston said. “We hope that it's nothing.”
Romano caught up with Hazel Mae after his departure and told her that has already spoken with the Blue Jays' medical team and will check in with them upon his return to Toronto.
The American League leader in saves was pitching in the All-Star Game for the first time after not getting into the game in 2022.
“The thing is, you really want to pitch, right? All-Star Game. First time getting in there,” said Romano. “But I was thinking we have we have the real season to prepare for, I didn't want to push through it and make it a real serious issue.”
Romano was a late addition to the game this year. He has 26 saves with a 2.87 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 37.2 innings pitched.
With files from Sportsnet.
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.