Funny thing about the MLB season being a marathon, not a sprint. About three weeks ago, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski’s decisions to not retain Jeff Hoffman and to replace the All Star reliever with former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano appeared to be an epic backfire.

Jorge Montanez breaks down the last week in saves and middle relievers on the rise in the latest closer report.

Romano earned the save in Thursday's 2-0 win over the Rockies, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. Romano has now turned in nine consecutive scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out 13 in that span.

Nola has never been this bad in two-strike counts. Romano has recaptured some confidence. Luzardo is navigating lineups in different ways.

With Alvarado gone, Jordan Romano simply slides back into the closer job that he lost. And it's a job in which he thrived in for many years.

They don't often change for the reason that the Phillies closer role is changing, which is that the top guy in the pecking order, Jose Alvarado, failed a PED test. He's suspended for 80 regular season games and also the postseason.

But with Jose Alvarado's suspension, there's a gap in the bullpen to fill. While Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering can hold their run own, the Phillies will need all the help and depth they can get to stay competitive for the National League East.

Romano has been spotless through his last six outings, with the closer starting to click into gear at a good time for a surging Phillies club. Philadelphia lost relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez in the offseason. The Phillies are 25-18, good for second place in a competitive NL East.

Back in April, it looked like the Phillies whiffed hard on their bullpen retool. Jeff Hoffman — the guy they let walk — was dominating in Toronto, posting a 1.17 ERA with six saves. Jordan Romano — the guy they signed to replace him — was imploding on the mound in Philly with an ERA over 12 and a command issue that made him unwatchable.

With closer Jose Alvarado suspended, the Phillies are exploring bullpen upgrades and White Sox's reliever has emerged as a top trade target.