Cubs handed bullpen lifeline after Angels cut former All-Star closer

Given the number of injuries the Chicago Cubs have had in the bullpen this season, the team has already had to rely upon the likes of Corbin Martin, Charlie Barnes, Vince Velasquez, and Yacksel Ríos to get them through games. Needless to say, while a move of consequence may not be available to Jed Hoyer and Co. at this point in the season, the Los Angeles Angels may have just handed the Cubs a lifeline.

The Angels designated former All-Star closer Jordan Romano for assignment on Sunday. Romano has fallen on hard times since being selected to the American League All-Star team in 2022 and 2023, but appeared to be figuring things out with the Angels at the start of this season.

It was short-lived, as Romano had struggled over his last five appearances with the Angels before the roster move on Sunday. None of those appearances were clean, while the 33-year-old gave up 9 runs on 11 hits and 4 walks in a total of 3 innings pitched.

Jordan Romano isn't perfect, but Cubs can't be choosy

In an ideal world, the Cubs wouldn't be forced to have this conversation. Daniel Palencia would be healthy at the backend of the bullpen, and Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar, and Hunter Harvey would be thriving as the high-leverage relief pitchers. Instead, of that group, Maton is the only one expected to be back with the Cubs this week.

Part of the reason the Cubs were able to overcome early struggles in their bullpen over the last two seasons was that they took a gamble on veteran pitchers who their previous organizations had quickly discarded. Drew Pomeranz and Tyson Miller are the recent success stories, and highlight the type of move available to the front office at this point in the season.

Given the struggles that Roman has had over the last three seasons, it's hard to imagine that he would join the Cubs and suddenly become the dominant high-leverage relief pitcher he once was with the Blue Jays. That isn't what the Cubs need, though. For now, they simply need experienced arms in the bullpen until the rest of the group gets healthy. At the very least, Romano should check that box.

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