Blue Jays Shut Down Reliever Romano, Demote Mayza to Buffalo

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano was shut down because of lingering soreness in his injured right elbow, manager John Schneider said Saturday.

The two-time All-Star will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Tuesday, Schneider said.

Romano missed part of spring training and the first 17 games of the regular season with elbow soreness. He was placed on the injured list a second time on June 1, retroactive to May 30.

Romano is 1-2 with a 6.59 ERA and eight saves in nine chances this season, his sixth. He tied his career high with 36 saves last year.

The Blue Jays also recalled right-handed pitcher Jose Cuas from Triple-A Buffalo and he will be available to pitch if needed Saturday. Toronto designated left-handed pitcher Tim Mayza for assignment in the corresponding move.

Toronto picked up Cuas, 30, on waivers Sunday from the Chicago Cubs, where he had a 7.43 ERA in 13.1 innings in 2024.

Mayza has struggled to replicate his stellar form from last season, which landed him in high-leverage outings throughout Toronto’s 2023 campaign. His ERA has exploded in recent weeks, however, reaching nearly 25 during a tough four-inning stretch for the 32-year-old.

Mayza was toppled in the Jays’ humiliating loss to the Yankees on Friday, allowing five earned runs on as many hits before being removed from the game.

He will travel to Buffalo and appear in their pen in the coming days.