Ricky Romero has been removed from the Toronto Blue Jays’ 40-man roster again. The Blue Jays announced Friday that the left-hander has been outrighted to the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
The decision to outright Romero for the second time this year appears to be procedural. General manager Alex Anthopoulos recently said the Blue Jays planned to remove him from the roster.
“Very good chance he comes off of the roster in the off-season,” Anthopoulos said on Sportsnet 590 The FAN in September. ” I told him that ahead of time, just for the 40-man spot. He’ll come in next spring, he’ll come in and compete and hopefully he’ll start fresh and he can get it turned around.”
Teams regularly outright players off of their rosters in October to create 40-man roster space. General managers need space for players returning from the 60-day disabled list, major league signings and the Rule 5 Draft.
Romero appeared in four games with the Blue Jays in 2013, allowing nine earned runs in 7.1 innings while walking eight and striking out five. He spent most of the season with the Bisons, where he posted a 5.78 ERA in 22 starts.
The Blue Jays initially outrighted the 28-year-old off of the 40-man roster in June, then selected his contract in September. Romero continues to be a member of the Blue Jays’ organization; he will earn $7.5 million per season in 2014-15.
Catcher Mike Nickeas was also outrighted to Buffalo.
