Colorado Rockies Sign Relievers Jordan Romano and Erasmo Ramirez to Minor League Deals

May 6, 2026, 18:37
USSports

Introduction

The Colorado Rockies have strengthened their bullpen by signing veteran right-handed pitchers Jordan Romano and Erasmo Ramirez to minor league contracts.

Main Body

The team signed Jordan Romano after a difficult period for the 33-year-old pitcher. Although he was an All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2019 to 2024, his performance has recently declined. For example, he had a high ERA with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Angels in 2025 and 2026. Because the Angels are still paying most of his $2 million salary, the Rockies face very little financial risk. Furthermore, data shows that Romano's pitch speed has decreased, so the club has asked him to report to the Scottsdale performance lab to improve his physical condition before he plays in games. At the same time, the Rockies have signed 36-year-old Erasmo Ramirez. He is a veteran with 14 years of experience and over 800 innings in the Major Leagues. Most recently, he played in Mexico, where he had a slow start to the season by giving up 11 runs in 12 innings. However, the Rockies value his ability to pitch many innings. Since this is a minor league contract, the team can easily release him if he does not perform well enough to earn a spot in his 15th Major League season.

Conclusion

By signing two experienced relievers to low-risk contracts, the Colorado Rockies are attempting to add more depth to their pitching staff.

Learning

The 'Contrast Logic' Shift

At an A2 level, you probably use but for everything. To move toward B2, you need to use Connectors of Contrast. These words act like road signs, telling the reader that a 'twist' is coming in the sentence.

⚡ From Simple to Sophisticated

Look at how the article handles the pitchers' careers. Instead of just saying "He was good, but now he is bad," it uses high-level logic:

  1. "Although..." →\rightarrow "Although he was an All-Star... his performance has recently declined."

    • B2 Secret: Although introduces a surprising fact. It forces the reader to weigh two opposing ideas in one sentence.

  2. "However..." →\rightarrow "...he had a slow start... However, the Rockies value his ability..."

    • B2 Secret: However is used to start a new sentence. It's stronger than but and creates a formal pause, signaling a shift in perspective.

🛠️ Application: The 'Risk vs. Reward' Pattern

B2 fluency is about explaining why things happen. Notice the article's use of Because and Since to justify a decision:

"Because the Angels are still paying... the Rockies face very little financial risk." "Since this is a minor league contract, the team can easily release him..."

The Upgrade: In A2, we often put the reason at the end (I am tired because I worked a lot). In B2, we often put the reason first to create a logical flow.

Try this mental switch:

  • A2: I like the player, but he is old.
  • B2: Although the player is old, I still like him.

Vocabulary Learning

bullpen
The area in a baseball stadium where relief pitchers warm up before entering a game.
Example:The bullpen was buzzing with relievers preparing for the upcoming match.
relievers
Pitchers who come into a game after the starting pitcher to replace them.
Example:The team signed two experienced relievers to strengthen its pitching staff.
performance
The way in which someone performs a task, especially in sports or work.
Example:His performance declined after a difficult season.
declined
To become weaker, lower, or less successful.
Example:His performance declined in recent years.
salary
The amount of money paid to an employee for their work.
Example:The Angels are still paying most of his $2 million salary.
risk
The possibility of loss, injury, or danger.
Example:The Rockies face very little financial risk with this deal.
pitch speed
The velocity at which a baseball is thrown by a pitcher.
Example:His pitch speed has decreased over the last season.
lab
A place equipped for scientific experiments and research.
Example:He was asked to report to the Scottsdale performance lab.
condition
The state of health or fitness of a person or thing.
Example:The lab helps improve his physical condition.
innings
A period in a baseball game where each team takes turns batting.
Example:He has over 800 innings in the Major Leagues.
major
Relating to the highest level of competition or importance.
Example:He played in the Major Leagues.
league
An organized group of sports teams that compete against each other.
Example:The Major League is the highest level of professional baseball.
contract
A formal agreement between parties that outlines rights and duties.
Example:They signed a minor league contract to keep him in the organization.
release
To terminate a contract or let someone go from a team.
Example:The team can release him if he doesn't perform well enough.
depth
The variety or range of talent within a group or organization.
Example:They are adding depth to their pitching staff.
staff
A group of people employed by an organization to perform specific roles.
Example:The pitching staff includes starters, middle relievers, and closers.