Javy Guerra, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Born on October 31, 1985, in Denton, Texas, Guerra was drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft. His journey through the minor leagues culminated in his MLB debut on May 15, 2011, when he took the mound for the Dodgers.
During his rookie season in 2011, Guerra quickly established himself as a reliable closer for the Dodgers. He recorded 21 saves in 23 opportunities, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. His performance that year helped solidify his role in the Dodgers' bullpen, and he finished the season with a 2.31 ERA over 47 innings pitched.
Guerra continued to play for the Dodgers in 2012, though his role shifted as the team experimented with different bullpen configurations. Despite facing some challenges, including injuries, he managed to maintain a respectable 2.60 ERA over 45 innings. However, by 2013, Guerra's role with the Dodgers had diminished, and he spent much of the season in the minors.
In March 2014, Guerra was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. His time with the White Sox was brief, as he was designated for assignment in April of the same year. Shortly thereafter, he was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays, though he did not make an appearance for their major league team.
Guerra's career took a positive turn when he joined the Chicago White Sox again in 2015. He pitched effectively out of their bullpen, appearing in 34 games and posting a 2.27 ERA. His performance earned him a spot on the team's roster for the following season. However, injuries once again hampered his progress, and he spent much of the 2016 season on the disabled list.
In 2017, Guerra signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. He spent the majority of the season in the minors but was called up to the majors in September. The following year, Guerra found more stability with the Marlins, appearing in 32 games and recording a 5.55 ERA.
Guerra's journey continued as he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. He pitched in 11 games for the Blue Jays before being designated for assignment. Shortly thereafter, he was claimed by the Washington Nationals. With the Nationals, Guerra found a more consistent role, appearing in 40 games and posting a 4.86 ERA. He was part of the Nationals' roster during their 2019 World Series championship run, though he did not pitch in the postseason.
In 2020, Guerra re-signed with the Nationals but was released in August. He then joined the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he finished the season. Guerra continued to pitch for the Diamondbacks in 2021, appearing in 41 games and recording a 6.06 ERA.
Throughout his career, Javy Guerra experienced the highs and lows typical of many professional athletes.
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