Phillies

Rob Thomson Praises Jordan Romano After Another Dominant Outing

By Luke Arcaini

Published: May 14th, 2025 · 5:24 PM EDT

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Jordan Romano struck out the side to finish off Game 1 of today’s doubleheader vs. the Cardinals.

It was a 13-pitch 9th for Romano. He threw first pitch strikes to each of Ivan Herrera, Nolan Gorman, and Alec Burleson. It was his best outing as a Phillie, and he continues to get better and better with every outing he throws.

Rob Thomson was impressed. He said following the game that Romano was a big free-agent move for the Phillies this offseason, even though it’s been made that, “the Phillies didn’t do anything in the offseason.”:

“There’s been a lot made of our front office not doing anything this offseason, well, that’s a pretty big move…he was outstanding today”

Rob Thomson says Jordan Romano is really starting to find his groove, and his pitches are continuing to improve. pic.twitter.com/olBRrpqxmT

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 14, 2025

Note: Rob Thomson confirmed to reporters after the game that the first quote in the video above was talking about Luzardo and not Romano, which was his mistake.

Romano hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 23rd. We all remember the Marlins game back on April 19th, where he allowed six earned runs and nearly blew a 7-run Phillies lead in the 9th. Since then? Dominance:

• 7.2 IP
• 5 Hits
• 1 Earned Run
• 10 Strikeouts
• 2 Walks

I understand why people were frustrated with Jordan Romano at first. It was an abysmal start to his Phillies career. But to be out on a proven veteran, call him Craig Kimbrel 2.0, and worse, was just excessive. He’s coming off of elbow surgery. He needed some time, and now, he’s finally starting to get comfortable in Philadelphia.

Jordan Romano’s ERA was once 15.26. In the matter of just under a month, he’s dropped it down to 8.22. Here’s an interesting nugget to leave ya with. This was prior to today’s 3-strikeout 9th:

Since April 20th:

Jordan Romano: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1.35 ERA

Jeff Hoffman: 8 IP, 12 H, 10 ER, 1 BB, 14 K, 11.25 ERA

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 14, 2025

The Phillies will change into their home pinstripes, and kickoff game two of this doubleheader in about two hours. It’ll be Aaron Nola vs. Sonny Gray for the series.