Romano gave up a run on one hit and a struck out one in the ninth inning Friday to record his ninth save of the season in a 6-4 win over the Royals.
Trade-deadline acquisition Brad Hand worked the eighth inning and also gave up a run, albeit an unearned one, so for now it looks like Romano will remain the top closing option for the Jays. The right-hander stumbles into the final day of July with an 8.10 ERA on the month, but Romano's 2.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 36.1 innings on the season are far more palatable.