Toronto Blue Jays designate Javy Guerra for assignment

With Ryan Tepera returning to the big-league club, the Blue Jays have decided to cut ties with veteran reliever Javy Guerra.

The Blue Jays announced today that they’ve designed RHP Javy Guerra for assignment as a corresponding move to the activation of Ryan Tepera from the 10-day injured list.

Guerra, 33, signed on as a minor-league free agent with the Blue Jays on January 14.

Picked up as an under-the-radar relief signing, Guerra was actually quite effective through the first week of the season, tossing 4.2 frames and allowing just a single earned run and striking out eight against Cleveland, Baltimore, and Detroit.

Against Boston on April 11, he pitched a scoreless inning and racked up one strikeout, reducing his WHIP to a solid 0.60.

More from Jays Journal

• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah on pace to succeed in possible postseason
• Blue Jays: Bradley Zimmer has carved himself a valuable role
• Anthony Bass has been the shutdown reliever the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. open to a long-term contract
• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time

Unfortunately for him, on April 12 against Tampa Bay, he allowed three earned runs on four hits in a single inning, causing his ERA to balloon from 1.35 to 4.70. Two days later, he allowed two earned runs in a third of an inning, increasing his ERA to 6.75.

He pitched two scoreless innings in relief Wednesday night, adding a strikeout while scattering two hits against the Twins.

Tepera, who last season pitched in 68 games, finally returns to the Blue Jays bullpen after a rather odd and elongated stay on the injured list. This week, Tepera, 31, pitched at Triple-A Buffalo as part of his rehab.

While the Blue Jays would probably rather not lose Guerra (who has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise thus far), Tepera is a vital part of the makeup of their bullpen, and having him in the eighth inning will reduce the need to piece together innings late in important games.

Previously, Guerra appeared in games for the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.