Angels' Jordan Romano earns save in season opener

Veteran reliever steps up with Kirby Yates and Robert Stephenson sidelined to start the year.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:05am

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Jordan Romano, a veteran right-handed reliever for the Los Angeles Angels, earned the save in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Houston Astros. With the Angels' usual closers Kirby Yates and Robert Stephenson sidelined due to injuries, Romano was tasked with closing out the game, logging a strikeout and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

Why it matters

Romano's save in the season opener is an encouraging sign for the Angels, who will need reliable bullpen options with key relievers Yates and Stephenson out to start the year. Romano struggled last season but is looking to bounce back and earn a larger role in the Angels' bullpen.

The details

Romano, who signed with the Angels in the offseason after a tough 2025 campaign with the Phillies, was able to preserve the Angels' 3-0 lead in the ninth inning against the division rival Astros. He struck out one batter and walked one, but ultimately secured the save for the Halos.

  • The game took place on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Jordan Romano

A veteran right-handed reliever for the Los Angeles Angels.

Kirby Yates

The Angels' usual closer, currently sidelined due to a knee injury.

Robert Stephenson

Another key reliever for the Angels, currently sidelined due to an elbow injury.

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What they’re saying

“It's an encouraging start to the year for the veteran right-hander, who signed with the Angels after struggling to an 8.23 ERA across 42.2 innings with the Phillies last season.”

— RotoWire Staff

What’s next

The Angels will continue to monitor the health of Yates and Stephenson as they work to return from their respective injuries. In the meantime, Romano and lefty Drew Pomeranz are expected to share closing duties for the Halos.

The takeaway

Romano's save in the season opener provides a glimmer of hope for the Angels' bullpen, which will need to step up with key relievers sidelined to start the year. The team will be closely watching Romano's performance as he looks to bounce back and earn a more prominent role in the Angels' relief corps.