Sergio Romo grew up in a family full of Los Angeles Dodgers fans, which made for an interesting scenario when he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 28th round of the 2005 Draft. Romo eventually became synonymous with the Giants and their string of success.
He spent 12 seasons in the organization, including nine in the Majors, and was part of three World Series-winning teams. But the Giants no longer had a need for Romo’s services after the 2016 season, and it paved the way for his homecoming.
The Dodgers meet their National League West rival on Monday for the first time this season. It also coincides with Romo’s first visit to AT&T Park since signing with the Dodgers.
The 34-year-old said he isn’t certain what type of reaction he’ll receive from the rabid Giants fan base, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I don’t expect them to boo. I do expect them to know I’m not on their side anymore,” Romo said with a smile. “I don’t know exactly what to expect. What I’m hoping for is that people remember what I did and really understand that I didn’t leave them out of spite. I didn’t leave them with a bad taste in my mouth, sour taste in my mouth. I do feel that things happen. It’s a business and it was time to move on.”
Shortly after his one-year contract with the Dodgers was made official, Romo said his departure was not similar to that of Brian Wilson and added he didn’t harbor any resentment or ill feelings toward the franchise.
During his nine seasons with San Francisco, Romo went 32-26 with 84 saves, a 2.58 ERA, 2.71 FIP and 0.95 WHIP in 439.2 innings. He recorded a career-high 38 saves and was named an All-Star in 2013, though fell from grace when he was removed from the closer’s role in 2014.
The Brawley, Calif., native has on multiple occasions expressed his gratitude and excitement with being part of the Dodgers organization. He ranks second on the team with eight appearances this season.
Aside from being charged for five runs in just 0.1 innings of work against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, Romo has only allowed two runs in his other seven games. The right-hander owns a lifetime 2.56 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 256 games at AT&T Park.
