Javy Guerra returns to Miami

An old friend returned to the mound on Wednesday to pitch against his former teammates in during the Washington National’s 7-5 win over the Miami Marlins.

Javy Guerra was a member of the Marlins bullpen during the previous two seasons before bouncing between Toronto and Washington. He entered the game with a 2.08 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 12 appearances as a National.

He was tasked with closing out the ninth inning and protecting Washington’s 7-1 lead. He walked Harold Ramirez to lead off the inning and Garrett Cooper reached on an infield single to shortstop after the throw to second base was misplayed.

Guerra got the next two outs by striking out Brian Anderson looking with a 95 mph four-seam fastball and retiring Starlin Castro on a fly out.

Neil Walker came into the game to pinch hit for pitcher Austin Brice. He walked to load the bases for catcher Bryan Holaday, who hit a two-run single to chase Guerra.

Closer Sean Doolittle came in for Guerra to face Curtis Granderson with two runners on base. The Grandyman hit a two-run triple all the way to the right field wall to score Walker and Holaday but JT Riddle stuck out immediately afterwards to end the rally.

Last year with the Marlins was Guerra’s longest season in the big leagues since 2014 with the Chicago White Sox. He appeared in 32 games as one of the elder statesman of the bullpen and posted a 5.55 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. In 2017, he posted a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Guerra started the season in the Blue Jays bullpen, posting a 3.86 ERA with 15  strikeouts in 14 innings over 11 appearances. He was claimed off waivers by the Nationals on May 20 after the Blue Jays designated him for assignment on May 19.

Guerra began his career as the closer for the Los Angeles in 2011, converting 21 of 23 save opportunities.