Romero served up a solo homer to Jorge Polanco in the first inning. Ty France would follow with a base hit to drive in a run. Two walks and a base hit in the second inning loaded the bases before Polanco got to Romero once again, launching a grand slam. Romero would record one more out before he was replaced on the mound. The 26-year-old right-hander was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, and Sunday’s performance certainly didn’t help his cause.

Romero represents a fascinating reclamation project for the Giants as he was universally-regarded as one of the more promising pitching prospects in baseball just a few years ago with Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old righty, who spent all of last year at Triple-A Rochester in the Nationals’ system, hasn’t appeared in the big leagues since 2022. He’ll presumably get a shot to compete in spring training for a spot on San Francisco’s season-opening roster.

Romero made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2022 and wound up surrendering 12 runs -- 10 earned -- over his first 8 1/3 major league innings between Tampa Bay and Washington. The 25-year-old will presumably be vying for a bullpen job with the Nats in the spring.

Romero was already designated for assignment this week, but now he's officially a free agent. The 25-year-old somehow gave up seven home runs in 8 1/3 innings in the majors this season between the Nationals and the Rays.