Baseball is always full of surprises, but the Los Angeles Angels clearly lost their patience this week. The team officially let go of a veteran relief pitcher just days after he had a very public argument on the field with manager Kurt Suzuki. Coming right after the Red Sox surprised everyone by firing Alex Cora, this quick roster move shows how tense things are early in the season. It is especially stressful for an Angels team that is struggling at the bottom of the AL West.

The lowest point came during Saturday’s ugly 1-12 loss. It was an especially tough day for the team’s 33-year-old relief pitcher, who struggled badly by giving up four runs and only managing to get two batters out. But the biggest issue was what happened next. Even though he was pitching poorly, he stood his ground and argued with manager Suzuki about being taken out of the game.

“Jordan Romano was released from the Angels shortly after this mound visit with manager Kurt Suzuki, as he didn’t want to go out of the game. Wonder what was said here,” js9innings shared via X.

Walbert Urena had a bad start on Saturday, allowing four ERs from his 3.2 innings with three SOs. That was made worse by Romano in relief, allowing 4 more from just 0.2 innings without a SO. At the bottom of the eighth, Suzuki was seen on a mound visit. He reportedly asked Romano to end his innings.

The visual expression confirmed Romano was not in the mood to go out of the game. But he eventually left looking frustrated. While it was not confirmed what they discussed at the mound, the Angels designated him for assignment on Sunday, only to get released on Tuesday! So, the reason could be Romano’s public spat with his manager or his rough outing in 2026. Still, the 33-year-old is officially now a free agent.

Romano was signed for a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason. But his brief tenure with the Angels lasted for only 11 relief appearances. He logged 8 innings with the Angels this year with a 10.13 ERA. In contrast, Romano’s stint with the Blue Jays between 2019 and 2024 was dominant enough with a 2.90 ERA and 20.7 percent K-BB%.

So, the writing was already on the wall, and the Angels just sped up their decision with Romano after this public spat on Saturday.

We can’t help but recall how something similar was brewed last year between Max Scherzer and the Blue Jays’ manager, John Schneider. In Game 4 of the 2025 ALCS, Scherzer aggressively refused to be removed by Schneider in the fifth inning. He reportedly shouted at Schneider to leave the mound, subsequently striking out Randy Arozarena to escape a jam.

Scherzer responded with five SOs, allowing only two runs that day. Romano was not that fortunate, leaving the Angels with their decision to shuffle their bullpen.

The Angels’ bullpen needs a breather

The Angels’ bullpen needs even more than just releasing Jordan Romano.

“Angels bullpen ERA: 5.34,” LA Times’ Bill Shaikin said. In their last six games, the Angels’ bullpen had allowed 25 ERs and 14 runs! And Romano can’t be blamed singularly for these woes.

For instance, Nick Sandlin has a 14.29 ERA so far, while the Angels traded Brock Burke in January, who is currently throwing fireballs with the Reds, with a 0.68 ERA.

With pitcher Shaun Anderson expected to leave the team, the Angels have to use the players they already have to fix the bullpen. Two names being talked about to take over are Joey Lucchesi and Jose Fermin.

The team hopes Joey Lucchesi can help, but he is having a very bad start this season. He has already allowed four runs in just three innings. The Angels really hope he can get back to how well he pitched for his last team, the Giants.

In comparison, Jose Fermin could have a better prospect with the Angels. His recent game against the White Sox includes 0 runs from 1.2 innings with 1 SO. Moreover, his four-seam fastballs that average 97 MPH could prove filthy at times.

We will have to wait and see if these changes help the Angels win more games. But for now, the team has a clear message: listen to the manager, play well, and don’t cause any trouble. Otherwise, you will be let go.