The Phillies, continuing to fortify their pitching staff, have re-signed free-agent left-hander J.C. Romero to a three-year, $12 million contract.
The deal includes a club option for a fourth year that could bring the total value of the deal to $16.75 million.
"J.C. had an outstanding three months for us this year, particularly down the stretch," Amaro said. "He was an integral part of our winning the NL East and we're very happy we could get him signed before he hit the open market."
Romero would continue in the role he filled after joining the Phillies last season, joining right-handers Ryan Madson and Tom Gordon and newly acquired closer Brad Lidge in the late innings.
The 30-year-old left-hander went 2-2 with one save and a 1.92 ERA in 74 games with the Phillies and Boston Red Sox last season. Romero had a 3.15 ERA in 23 games with Boston before being released on June 18.
He signed a minor league contract with the Phillies on June 23, and made his National League debut six days later against the New York Mets.
Romero had a 1.24 ERA in 51 games with the Phillies. He worked 15 2-3 scoreless innings in his last 20 appearances of the regular season and went 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three playoff games.
"I'm glad I didn't have to go out and test the free agent market," Romero said. "I had a great time with the Phillies and really wanted to come back."
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He did well with the Phillies, it will be interesting to see if he can stay at that pace all season with them.