Brewers to Get Bullpen Boost in Time for Playoff Push

The Milwaukee Brewers lefty took a positive step towards coming off the Injured List.

Jul 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jojo Romero (59) throws against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Milwaukee Brewers utilized the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline to bring more pitching to town and it sounds like the club got a positive update about one of their additions on Monday.

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reported that lefty JoJo Romero was scheduled to throw his first bullpen on Monday as he looks to return from the Injured List after a bout of appendicitis. McCalvy noted that Romero is on pace to return before the end of August.

"JoJo Romero update: Was scheduled to throw his first bullpen today in Arizona. He'll have a few more bullpens and a live BP before going on rehab assignment, but remains on schedule to join the Brewers before the end of August," McCalvy wrote.

JoJo Romero's Time Is Coming

Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero throws a pitch during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One thing that is fortunate about the Brewers is the fact that they have so many pieces that they aren't desperate for Romero right now. They could use a left-handed boost in the bullpen and Romero will provide that, but the Brewers still have the fourth-best bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.48. When Romero is able to return, he's going to be a luxury addition for the club. He'll make the club better, but they aren't desperate right now, which is a positive.

Romero has a 3.35 ERA in 44 outings on the season so far. If the season were to end today, he'd finish the campaign with his second-best ERA mark of his career. He set his career best mark last year when he logged a 2.07 ERA in 65 appearances. If the Brewers could get that version of Romero down the stretch, then will be very dangerous in the bullpen.

Again, Milwaukee's bullpen has already been good all season. The Brewers went out and added Romero from the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies. Senzatela has a 3.79 ERA in 37 outings and he has already made three appearances in a Brewers uniform. Romero's time will come and Milwaukee will be better for it.

Fortunately, it doesn't sound like there have been any setbacks, or anything of that nature. Now, it's just a matter of waiting. It's Aug. 11 right now, as of writing. Over the next few weeks, we should see the 29-year-old lefty back on the hill in a big league game, but this time for Milwaukee. The Brewers are setting themselves up very well ahead of the playoffs.