Who is the Blue Jays Closer? Fantasy Baseball Saves Outlook

It hasn't been the smoothest start for the Toronto Blue Jays in the early going. Both the offense and pitching have struggled through the first two weeks of the season. Toronto is averaging just 3.8 runs per game (tied for ninth-worst) with a 4.92 team ERA (seventh-worst).

The Blue Jays, though, could be getting some reinforcements in the bullpen in the coming days. Veteran closer Jordan Romano (elbow) is currently on a rehab assignment and getting close to a return.

So, who is the Blue Jays closer? Is he a viable fantasy baseball option? Let's dive in and find out.

• Fantasy baseball injury reports
• Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
• Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
• Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
• Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
• Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
• Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
• Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards

Who is the Blue Jays' Starting Closer?

While Romano was rehabbing from his elbow injury, the Blue Jays turned to a pair of relievers to close out games. Both Chad Green and Yimi Garcia saw save opportunities in the first 16 games of the season. Green saved two games on April 5 and April 9, while Garcia secured his first save on April 13. 

However, both relievers are likely to see limited save opportunities -- if any -- the rest of the season with Romano returning. The right-hander completed his minor-league rehab assignment over the weekend and is expected to be activated by the team ahead of Tuesday's game.

Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson Likely To Return Tuesday https://t.co/3k0XnN8D1j

— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) April 15, 2024

With Romano now back in the fold, the 30-year-old will see all the save chances the rest of the year. He is the Blue Jays' full-time closer after saving 36 games in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Jordan Romano Fantasy Baseball Outlook

If a fantasy manager in your league became impatient with Romano and dropped him, pick him up immediately. He has been one of the best closers in the game since he took over the full-time role back in 2021.

The 30-year-old has totaled 95 saves since 2021, fourth-most in the majors. He only trails Emmanuel Clase (114), Kenley Jansen (111), and Josh Hader (103) during that span. Romano also has just a 2.37 ERA during those three years while pitching 186 innings.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider says Jordan Romano & Erik Swanson will be activated “soon” at which point Romano will close again. Sounds like the plan may be for tomorrow.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 15, 2024

Once he is officially activated from the injured list on Tuesday, he will resume closer role duties for the Blue Jays. While Toronto might limit his usage in the first couple of games and not pitch him on consecutive days, he should eventually see his normal usage. Romano is one of the best fantasy closers and should be rostered in every league.

More Fantasy Baseball Advice