Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero continued his spring struggles with another rough start Thursday.
Appearing in a minor-league outing, Romero allowed five hits, five walks and four runs with no strikeouts in 2.1 innings.
4 hits, 2 runs, both earned, one walk and a wild pitch in a 19-pitch opening first inning from Romero, who faced seven batters. #Bluejays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 21, 2013
Eighteen pitches in a second inning that is bookended for Romero with four-pitch walks. Three walks alone in the 2nd. Wow. #Bluejays #Jays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 21, 2013
Despite manager Blue Jays manager John Gibbons telling Prime Time Sports earlier this week he is 100 per cent behind Romero and expects to break camp with him as his No.5 starter, Sportsnet’s Dirk Hayhurst says Romero’s mechnical tweaks are indicative of a bigger problem.
Pete Walker on Romero working through his new mechanics changes: “It’s a work in progress. It’s not a quick fix.” #Bluejays #Jays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 21, 2013
According to Sportsnet’s Arash Madani, there were a number of Blue Jays staffers in attendance to watch Romero’s start Thursday including GM Alex Anthopoulos, assistant GM Tony LaCava, scouting director Perry Minasian, pitching coach Pete Walker and bullpen coach Pat Hengten.
This was the first time Anthopoulos has hinted Romero’s status as 5th starter isn’t secure… Is the writing is on the wall? #Bluejays #Jays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 21, 2013
Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ has had a very strong spring, prompting many to wonder if the team would consider using him in the rotation should Romero continue to struggle with his command.
Anthopoulos says he & Happ have had “many” talks. Leading into spring training and throughout spring. Not “one big conversation.” #Bluejays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 21, 2013
Romero has had control issues throughout the spring after having the worst regular season of his career in 2012 when he had a 9-14 record with a 5.77 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 105 walks.
