Dodgers News: Sergio Romo Needs a Turning Point

There was fanfare when Sergio Romo, a Southern California native who paved his way to fame in the Bay Area, finally came home. If there was a honeymoon period, it ended a while ago.

Nolan Arenado hammered a two-run shot off Romo Sunday, giving Colorado its seventh run, which was enough to win. It ballooned Romo’s ERA to 8.03 in 12.1 innings.

Even ignoring the meltdown in Phoenix, Romo has been underwhelming in his Dodger debut.

Sergio Romo gives up a two-run shot to Nolan Arenado. 7-4, Rocks.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) May 14, 2017

Romo was part of an abyssal Giants bullpen in 2016, though even in one of his lesser seasons, he was arguably their best option. At one point one of baseball’s premier closers, Romo has tailed off enough to make the Dodgers thankful they only signed him for a single season.

In his 12.1 innings, Romo has allowed 11 runs. He’s served four doubles, two homers and eight walks. MLB.com projects him to finish with a 4.75 ERA in 47.1 innings. That sounds a bit high, but there’s no reason to believe improvement is on the way.

It’s still May, however, and Romo has plenty of time to turn it around. He just changed teams for the first time in his decade-long career. Despite his affinity for the Dodgers growing up, there’s an adjustment period.

Regardless, similar to Kenta Maeda in recent weeks, Romo needs to build momentum – be that through a hold, spelling Kenley Jansen or just a string of solid outings. It’s a young season. Romo just needs a confidence booster.

Sooner, rather than later.