ST. PETERSBURG -- New Rays acquisition Sergio Romo is expected to arrive prior to Monday's game against the Orioles, but there's already curiosity and excitement about what they might get from the right-hander.
The Rays acquired Romo, 34, from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations on Saturday night. He signed with the Dodgers as a free agent on Feb. 15 and appeared in 30 games for them, going 1-1 with a 6.12 ERA and 31 strikeouts. The Dodgers designated Romo for assignment on Thursday.
He will likely get a good look at the back of the Rays bullpen.
Romo is a 10-year veteran who has compiled a 33-27 record, 84 saves and a 2.77 ERA over 545 career appearances, all in relief, for the Giants and Dodgers.
A three-time World Series champion with the Giants (2010, '12, '14), Romo is 3-1 with four saves and a 3.09 ERA in postseason play. He recorded the final out of the 2012 World Series, and saved three of the Giants' four wins in that Fall Classic. His 27 postseason appearances, coming over four trips, rank second among active pitchers behind Ryan Madson (42).
Romo was honored by MLB.com as he won the Setup Man of the Year Award in 2012. In 2013, he was named a National League All-Star and converted a career-high 38 saves.
Among all active pitchers with 500 career appearances, he ranks first with a 0.98 WHIP, second with a 10.25 strikeouts per nine innings ratio and second with a .207 opponents' batting average. He has limited right-handed hitters to a .189 batting average.