Pittsburgh Pirates: Enny Romero Placed on the Disabled List

The Pittsburgh Pirates had to make a roster move for Nick Kingham yesterday. It was originally reported that Enny Romero would be designated for assignment.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a big time roster move for yesterday’s game and it paid off.  The Bucs decided to bring up pitching prospect Nick Kingham to make his major league début.  To make room for the former top 100 prospect, the team had to cut someone.  So they decided to place left-handed reliever Enny Romero on waivers.  Romero, of course, was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates just two weeks ago. However, things changed just hours after Kingham made his start.  It was then announced that Romero would not be put on the waiver wire, but rather placed on the 10 day disabled list.

Romero was formerly with the Washington Nationals and is coming off a solid season.  Last year, he threw 55.2 innings and had an earned run average of 3.56.  On top of that he struck out 65 batters in those 55.2 innings.  This gave him a K/9 of 10.5, which was higher than his 9.7 career K/9 rate.  He has followed it up with a tough season thus far.  He appeared in just two games for the Nationals at the beginning of this year.  The lefty pitched a total of two innings and was roughed up giving up three earned runs, including a home run.  This gave him an earned run average of 13.5.  When the Nationals were placed in a roster crunch situation and had to make room for a player coming off the disabled list, the team put Romero on waivers.

Pittsburgh Pirates Career

The Pittsburgh Pirates placed a claim on Romero back on April 14th.  The team desperately was looking to add a left-handed reliever after seeing Josh Smoker struggle through the first two weeks. Romero made an immediate impact when he whacked a double in his first plate appearance.  However, he has not fared all that well on the mound.  He gave up an earned run in both of his appearances thus far giving him an ERA of 7.50 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  However, he gave up three unearned runs also in his second appearance.  In a total of four innings pitched with the Bucs, Romero gave up five total runs. However, he also has struck out five batters.

Next: Pittsburgh Pirates Need to Keep Kingham

While the results are not great, there is definitely some upside to Romero.  He has power stuff from the left side.  He was placed on the disabled list with a left shoulder impingement.  Could this be what has led to his early season struggled?  Hopefully, he can get healthy and get some side work in to help him get back to where he was last season.  If so, he could be a big piece of this bullpen going forward with the stuff he has.  He is on the 10 day disabled list, which means they were able to save a roster spot going forward.