Seth

Romero

This comes after Romero was arrested for driving while intoxicated and possessing a controlled substance on Sunday in Sweeny, Texas. It was his second DWI arrest of the year, and he’s had other concerning off-field issues in the past. The former first-round pick (25th overall in 2017) hasn’t appeared in the majors since his brief debut during the pandemic-affected 2020 season, and now his baseball career would appear to be very much in jeopardy at age 26.

Romero has been out all season due to a left calf strain and will continue pitching in the minors. The 26-year-old former first-round selection hasn’t appeared in the majors since making three relief appearances for the Nationals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Romero has missed the entire season due to a left calf strain. He also missed time during spring training due to back stiffness. The 26-year-old former first-round selection hasn’t appeared in the majors since making three relief appearances for the Nationals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

The procedural move opens up a spot on the Nationals’ 40-man roster enabling them to finalize their Opening Day roster. It’s unclear how much time he’ll miss after sustaining a calf injury earlier this spring.

The first round of cuts from Nationals’ camp include Klobosits, who made 11 relief appearances late last season and a few prominent non-roster invitees fighting for a spot on the big-league roster in Rodriguez and Baldonado.

The back stiffness popped up earlier this week during a throwing session and has not yet subsided. It’s unclear when Romero might return to a mound, and he can probably be ruled out as a potential candidate for the Opening Day roster.

The former first-round pick was released on a $5,000 bond, but no further details were given. Romero has dealt with previous off-field issues along with injuries during his young career. The 35-year-old posted a 4.54 ERA over 35 2/3 innings in Triple-A last season with a 1.63 WHIP.

Romero, who threw 2 2/3 innings in the majors last season, hurt his ribs during spring training and didn’t make his season debut until July. He’s been used as a starter since then, posting a 4.83 ERA over 10 starts between three different levels in the minors. The 25-year-old southpaw has struck out 50 batters in 31 2/3 innings while walking 13, so he’s starting to get back on track after some injuries and off-field issues.

Romero said Romero will likely be “out for a while.” It’s another tough break for the 2017 first-rounder, as he likely would have been near the top of the list if the Nats needed a bullepn arm. Romero allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings during his first taste of the majors last season.

That’s the role he had when he made his debut last year. Romero was originally drafted as a starter and pitched almost exclusively in that role in the minors before his Tommy John surgery. Apparently the Nats think he’s best served to stay in the bullpen for now.