Romano's New Move Seals Phillies Win, But Early Struggles Raise Concerns

First Phillies Save: Jordan Romano recorded his first save in a Phillies uniform against the Dodgers.

Dramatic Finish: The game ended on a unique "strike 'em out, throw 'em out" double play. Romano struck out pinch-hitter Max Muncy, and catcher J.T. Realmuto promptly threw out Chris Taylor attempting to steal second base.

Slide Step Success: Romano effectively used a new slide-step delivery, a technique he focused on during spring training. This quicker delivery was crucial in giving Realmuto the necessary time to make the throw to second.

Shaky Inning: Despite the save, Romano's ninth inning was turbulent. He allowed a two-run homer to Tommy Edman, walked Mookie Betts (who then stole second), and issued another walk, bringing the tying run to base. His average fastball velocity also dipped noticeably to 93.7 mph.

Concerning Stats: Through his first four innings this season, Romano has allowed four earned runs, recorded one save, one blown save, and holds a high 1.75 WHIP, compared to his career 1.15 mark.

Why this matters: While the successful execution of the slide step addresses a known weakness (holding runners), Romano's overall command issues and velocity dip are worrying for a key bullpen arm, especially as he returns from 2024 elbow surgery. The Phillies rely on a strong bullpen for postseason success, making Romano's consistency crucial.

Q: What is a slide step in pitching?

A: It's a modified, quicker pitching delivery where the pitcher uses a small step toward the plate instead of a full leg kick. This is done primarily to speed up the delivery time, making it harder for baserunners to steal bases.

Q: Why was Jordan Romano specifically working on a slide step?

A: Romano has historically been slower delivering the ball to the plate, making him more susceptible to stolen bases. Improving his ability to control the running game was a key focus after joining the Phillies.

Q: Despite the save, are there concerns about Romano's performance?

A: Yes, allowing two runs, two walks, and showing decreased velocity in the ninth inning raised concerns about his command and consistency early in the season, even though he ultimately secured the save with the help of the double play.

Romano's adoption and successful use of the slide step is a positive sign, addressing a specific area for improvement.

Early season command issues and velocity dips warrant monitoring, as consistency from key relievers like Romano is vital for the Phillies' ambitions.

This situation underscores the challenges pitchers face returning from injury and the constant need for adjustments to succeed in MLB.

Fans should watch Romano's upcoming appearances closely to see if he can build on the slide-step success while regaining his overall command and form.

Source 1: Jordan Romano worked on a new move in spring training. It paid off in the Phillies’ game-ending double play vs. the Dodgers. target="_blank"

Source 2: Alarming Start for Jordan Romano Should Have Phillies Concerned target="_blank"

Source 3: Jordan Romano News: Barely survives for first save | RotoWire target="_blank"