Longtime reliever and SF Giants fan-favorite DFA'd by Mariners

This could be the end of the line for a longtime reliever who was cut loose by the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The former SF Giants bullpen stalwart has a decorated career that includes being a key cog during three World Series runs.

Longtime reliever and SF Giants fan-favorite DFA'd by Mariners

On Monday, the Seattle Mariners announced a series of roster moves. This included 15-year veteran Sergio Romo being designated for assignment according to Corey Brock of The Atheltic. In the same set of moves, infield Kevin Padlo, who had a brief stint with the Giants in 2022, was recalled by the Mariners.

The 39-year-old reliever signed a one-year, $2 million pact just before the start of the season and that proved to be an underperforming deal for Seattle. Romo registered an 8.16 ERA, 7.87 FIP, 1.53 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, and a 2.75 SO/W ratio in 17 appearances for the Mariners in 2022.

The right-handed hurler debuted for San Francisco way back in 2008 and made a name for himself in a Giants uniform. In nine seasons, he posted a 2.58 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 0.95 WHIP, 10.2 K/9, and a 5.60 SO/W ratio before departing via free agency after the 2016 season.

Romo's run in San Francisco included an NL All-Star appearance in 2013 and three World Series rings. Fans will always remember how he rose up to the occasion in the biggest moments in the playoffs.

From 2010 - 2014, Romo made 25 appearances in the postseason and tallied a 2.11 ERA. This included the final out of the 2012 World Series against the Detroit Tigers where he froze Miguel Cabrera on an 89-MPH fastball.

Cabrera was expecting Romo's trademark slider, but the crafty reliever surprised him with the fastball.

Since departing San Francisco, the righty has made stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2017), Tampa Bay Rays (2017 - 2018), Miami Marlins (2019), Minnesota Twins (2019 - 2020), Oakland A's (2021), and the Mariners (2022).

Romo will likely pass through waivers and become a free agent as teams will be reluctant to pick up the remainder of the $2 million owed to him. Given his long track record, there should be some interest on the minor-league free agent market.

At some point, he will hang his spikes after a long career that began as a 28-round pick in 2005. He experienced success on the baseball field that few players ever get to realize, and hopefully, the Giants find a way to honor a remarkable and long career.