Blue Jays sign Javy Guerra to MiLB contract

The Blue Jays have added yet another depth arm in the form of Javy Guerra, a 33-year-old journeyman righty who last pitched in the majors with the Marlins in 2018.

The Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra to a minor-league contract, inviting him to spring training, the team announced early Saturday. Michael Mayer of Metsmerized was the first to report the initial signing.

Guerra, 33, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004 and made his major league debut in 2011, pitching to an ERA of 2.31 in 46.2 frames, saving 21 games and striking out 38. The following season, he maintained his solid ERA (2.60), saved another eight games and struck out 37 over 45.0 frames.

Following a disappointing 2013 season, he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. In a rebound 2014 campaign, he pitched to an ERA of 2.91 in 46.1 innings, striking out 38 and walking 20.

In 2015, he was suspended for substance abuse and was soon signed to a minor-league deal by the Los Angeles Angels, where he would spend the 2016 season.

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In December 2016, he signed yet another minor-league contract with the Miami Marlins, appearing in 16 games in 2017, boasting an ERA of 3.00 in 21.0 innings, adding 12 strikouts and seven walks.

After rejoining the Marlins on a major-league deal, he struggled in 2018, allowing 22 earned runs in 35.2 innings, eventually declaring free agency.

Known mostly for his mix of fastball, cutter, and curveball, Guerra is a classic example of a reliever that rebuilding teams will often take flyers on. The team is taking little risk in signing him, and he has the chance to make the team out of spring training if he makes a good enough impression in major league camp.

For his career, the native of Denton, Texas has tossed 213.1 major league innings and has racked up 171 strikeouts, eight wins, and 31 saves. He carries a career 3.43 ERA and a career WHIP of 1.420.