Romero has just a 3:5 K:BB through his first 7.1 innings this season.

EDGE Analysis

Romero boasted a 28.6 percent strikeout rate in his first full season with the Cardinals in 2023, but that number fell to 21 percent in 2024 and sits at just 10 percent through his first eight appearances in 2025. The southpaw still induces lots of grounders (54.5 percent this season) and remains manager Oliver Marmol's primary left-handed setup man ahead of closer Ryan Helsley, but Romero might see his responsibilities decrease if he can't rediscover some swing-and-miss.

Romero (forearm) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Romero closed the 2024 season on the injured list due to right forearm inflammation, but he began a throwing program in late October and appears to be facing no limitations in spring training. The 28-year-old southpaw should remain a key setup option in front of closer Ryan Helsley in 2025 after logging a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB while gathering 30 holds, seven wins and one save in 59 innings a season ago.

Romero agreed to a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

Romero ended the season on the injured list with a forearm issue but resumed throwing early in the offseason and should be healthy for the start of spring training. The left-hander racked up 30 holds and one save with a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB across 59 innings last year.

Romero (forearm) is slated to begin a throwing program next week, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Romero landed on the 15-day injured list during the final week of the regular season due to left forearm inflammation. However, as long as he can avoid setbacks, it would appear he is in line for his normal offseason routine. Romero held a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB over 59 innings for the Cardinals during the 2024 regular season.

The Cardinals placed Romero on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left forearm flexor inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

Romero doesn't appear to be dealing with any structural damage to his pitching arm, but the injury will prematurely end his 2024 campaign. The setup man enjoyed a successful season, finishing with a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 51:16 K:BB over 59 innings. He scooped up seven wins and was credited with 30 holds and one save.

Romero (7-3) allowed a run on one hit and one walk over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Thursday versus the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Romero put two runners on base in the eighth inning, and Ryan Fernandez allowed one of them to score after he entered the game. Over six innings in September, Romero has allowed two runs on six hits and three walks, a slight fade in performance from his level throughout the year. He's now at a 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 51:15 K:BB through 58.2 innings while adding a save, eight blown saves and 30 holds.

Romero earned the save in Thursday's 6-1 win over Cincinnati, allowing two hits over 1.1 scoreless innings.

EDGE Analysis

Romero recorded the final out in the eighth inning, preserving a 3-1 Cardinals lead, before St. Louis added a couple of insurance runs in the bottom half of the frame. Romero would come back out in the ninth, sealing the win to earn his first save this season. While the left-hander won't overtake Ryan Helsley for the closing job, he's been solid in a setup role this season and has held opponents to just one run in his last six appearances (five innings). Romero now sports a 2.65 ERA through 57.2 innings this year with a 1.08 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB.

Romero (7-2) struck out one and didn't allow a baserunner over two-thirds of an inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Romero got the last two outs in the top of the eighth inning, and the Cardinals pulled ahead in their half of the frame. The setup man has two wins and a blown save over five appearances (3.2 innings) in September. Romero has posted a 2.72 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB through 56.1 innings this season, and he's added 30 holds and eight blown saves while seeing steady high-leverage work.

Romero (6-2) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Yankees on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Romero became the pitcher of record after the Cardinals rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh inning. He allowed four runs over 9.1 innings in August, adding four holds and two blown saves in a setup role. For the year, Romero has a 2.67 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 49:13 K:BB with 30 holds over 54 innings as the Cardinals' top lefty reliever.

Romero (5-2) allowed one run on one hit over 1.1 innings Thursday to take the loss versus the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Romero also allowed an inherited runner to score on a two-run home run by Brandon Lowe, which put the Rays ahead for good. Since the start of July, Romero has allowed just two runs over 11 innings, but he's been charged with three blown saves in that span while adding three holds. He remains the Cardinals' top lefty setup man, posting a 2.44 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 39:9 K:BB with 28 holds and six blown saves over 48 innings this season.