Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano is “feeling better” after having to leave the All-Star Game on Tuesday night due to lower back tightness, according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
“Better than we all thought he would,” was how Blue Jays manager John Schneider described how Romano was feeling after a throwing session on Friday.
Schneider did not offer a clear timeline for the Canadian reliever’s recovery.
Making his second trip to the Midsummer Classic and first appearance in the game, Romano was forced to leave after throwing just five pitches, due to some lower back tightness he felt in the bullpen.
He pitched in the seventh inning of the game, forcing Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith to flyout before allowing Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder – and former Toronto teammate — to hit a long foul ball that was initially ruled a home run. While the play was under review Romano was taken out.
Romano, a native of Markham, Ont., leads the American League in saves with 26. He has worked 37.2 innings in 2023 with a 2.87 ERA and 48 strikeouts.