The 28-year-old southpaw was a key cog in the Cardinals’ bullpen during the 2024 season, compiling a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and a 51/16 K/BB ratio over 59 innings while notching seven victories and a save. Expect him to reprise that same setup role in front of closer Ryan Helsley during the 2025 campaign.

The injury will obviously keep Romero out until 2025 with the Cardinals not in contention for a playoff spot. Romero was a solid part of the bullpen in 2024, and assuming this won’t be an injury that requires an operation — something that can’t be guaranteed as we’ve seen inflammation turn into tears numerous times — he should be a set-up arm for St. Louis next year.

Romero, who has 30 holds in his setup role, got to stay in for the ninth because the Cardinals increased their lead from three to five runs in the bottom of the eighth, allowing the team to stay away from Ryan Helsley after he pitched last night.

Romero has already taken three losses this spring, though the other two were because he allowed a single run. A nice surprise in 2023, Romero is due to work in the seventh and eighth innings in front of Ryan Helsley in St. Louis. That might change if he struggles all spring, but since he’s out of options, his roster spot should be safe.