Oakland A’s make surprising decision to DFA Miguel Romero

MESA, AZ - February 22: Miguel Romero #65 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 22, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
MESA, AZ - February 22: Miguel Romero #65 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 22, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)

The middle pieces in the Oakland A’s bullpen could be a merry-go-round throughout much of the 2022 season. As they look to find viable major league options, those middle and long relievers will come and go, some only getting that one chance to prove themselves.

And then there is Miguel Romero. He had been in the A’s system since 2017 and was added to their 40 man roster ahead of the 2020 Rule V Draft. Romero may not have been one of the A’s top prospects, but he had hovered in the 25 to 30 range when accounting for their top 30 prospects over the past few years. One would have imagined he would get a look at the major league level at some point.

Oakland A’s moving on from Miguel Romero

If Romero is going to get that major league chance, it likely will not be in Oakland. The A’s designated him for assignment on Thursday as they removed the temporary designation from Christian Bethancourt.

Romero had not done himself any favors with his production in Triple-A. After struggling to a 6.27 ERA and a 1.607 WHiP in his 74.2 innings in Las Vegas, Romero needed to show something to start this season. Instead, he allowed six runs on 12 hits and three walks in 5.2 innings, with just one strikeout, before being let go.

He still has some ability to intrigue. Romero had been striking out more than a batter per inning prior to the pandemic, and if he can find his command once more, it is possible that he can be a solid major league reliever. He also has options remaining and could interest a team for that reason as well. While the A’s may not get anything for him in trade, it is not impossible to think that a team would claim Romero to add him to their 40 man roster.

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The Oakland A’s have plenty of openings in their bullpen. Although those roles need to be decided, Miguel Romero is no longer a part of that future.