April 23, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Jordan Romano registered his 100th major league save in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Monday night.

With that, Romano (Markham, Ont.) became the fourth Canadian to reach that milestone, joining Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que., 187 saves), John Axford (Port Dover, Ont., 144 saves) and John Hiller (Toronto, Ont., 125 saves).

Romano entered last night’s game in the ninth inning with the Blue Jays’ ahead 5-2. He retired Nelson Velázquez on a fly out to right field and struck out Adam Frazier before allowing a solo home run to Kyle Isbel. He then got Michael Massey to fly out to centre field to end the game.

It was Romano’s third save of the season after beginning the campaign on the injured list with elbow inflammation.

According to the Blue Jays (see following graphic), Romano is the third fastest Canadian to record 100 saves in their major league career.

Axford sent his congratulations to Romano via X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Congrats Jordan! The long road and dedication to get to 100 is well earned!” wrote Axford.

In 59 games in 2023, Romano recorded a 2.90 ERA and matched his career-high with 36 saves. The hard-throwing right-hander also had 36 saves in 2022.

Originally chosen in the 10th round of the MLB draft by the Blue Jays in 2014, the Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team alum just turned 31 on Sunday and is in his sixth major league season.