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Oakland A’s bring Deolis Guerra back on minor league deal

By David Hill

May 29, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Deolis Guerra (65) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Deolis Guerra (65) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s have been spending in free agency this offseason. It may not be anywhere close to what the Mets have done, but they are being active at the very least.

While the rest of the baseball universe watched the Mets poach Carlos Correa after questions about his medicals with the Giants, the A’s continued to be active. They have quietly brought Deolis Guerra back on a minor league deal while inviting him to the major league portion of spring training.

Oakland A’s hoping Deolis Guerra can return to 2021 form

Guerra may not be a key piece in the back of a bullpen, but he was a solid option for the A’s back in 2021. He was actually released in spring training before returning a day later and ended up claiming a spot in the bullpen for most of the season. He posted a respectable 4.11 ERA and a 1.112 WHiP in his 65.2 innings, striking out 62 batters with 20 walks. Guerra was the perfect anonymous middle reliever.

He was slated to fill that role again in 2022 before disaster struck in spring training. Guerra battled elbow pain and underwent Tommy John surgery just a week into the season. Given the recovery time from the procedure, he may not be able to return to the mound until sometime in June or July.

However, once that happens and he works himself back into shape in the minors, it would not be a surprise to see Guerra return to the majors. The A’s bullpen may be improving, but there are still several unsettled spots. Injuries and ineffectiveness will lead to turnover. It is likely a matter of time before Guerra is back in Oakland once he is healthy again.

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The Oakland A’s have quietly brought Deolis Guerra back on a minor league deal. Once he is healthy, it is a matter of time before he returns.