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Oakland A’s sign more minor league depth in Deolis Guerra

By David Hill

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 20: Deolis Guerra #57 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the seventh inning of game one of a double against the Toronto Blue Jays header at Sahlen Field on August 20, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 20: Deolis Guerra #57 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the seventh inning of game one of a double against the Toronto Blue Jays header at Sahlen Field on August 20, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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At least the Oakland A’s are doing something lately. While their bevy of minor league free agents are not exactly exciting by any stretch of the imagination, they have been able to accumulate depth in areas they need. Even without any cash, they have begun to stock up at AAA.

The A’s made another one of those signings on Tuesday. They announced the signing of Deolis Guerra on a minor league deal, inviting him to the major league portion of spring training.

Guerra has not seen extensive time in the majors since 2017, typically serving as minor league depth. He appeared in nine games with the Phillies last season, allowing nine runs, seven earned, on ten hits and two walks, striking out eight in his 7.1 innings. He was bitten by the home run ball, allowing three homers in that time.

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There was a time when Guerra had been an effective major league reliever. In 2016 and 2017, he posted a combined 3.68 ERA and a 1.162 WHiP over his 78.1 innings, striking out 58 batters with 19 walks. While Guerra is not going to be the flamethrowing strikeout artist that teams want in the bullpen, he was still a solid enough arm.

However, after a mediocre showing in his 19 games with the Angels in 2017, he has not spent much time in the majors. Guerra has all of ten major league appearances in the past three years despite posting solid numbers at AAA. He has settled in as minor league depth, someone to call up in case of emergency.

Chances are, Guerra will reprise that role with the A’s. He will likely spend most of the season in AAA barring a strong showing in spring training or a rash of injuries during 2021. He may not be exciting, but Guerra has a role within the organization.

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The Oakland A’s have signed more depth with Deolis Guerra. While he may not play a major role in the majors in 2021, he can still have a role in the organization.