Dodgers Option Guerra, Activate Rubby De La Rosa

We have some breaking news just coming in now. The Dodgers have optioned middle reliever Javy Guerra to Albuquerque, and have activated pitcher Rubby De La Rosa from the disabled list. De La Rosa had been rehabbing down in Rancho Cucamonga, and had already pitched 12 scoreless frames.

The original plan was to wait until September to Activate De La Rosa when the rosters expand. I guess De La Rosa is ready now. Rubby De La Rosa, the 23 year old right handed pitching prospect from the Dominican Republic started in ten games, and pitched 13 games for the Dodgers last season. He was 4-5 with a 3.71 ERA, and 60 whiffs in 60 Innings pitched, before blowing out his arm, and succumbing to Tommy John Surgery.

Middle reliever Javy Guerra had a bit of a rough beginning to the season, but settled in after moving to middle relief to pitch very effectively. Guerra last year was 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA, and 21 saves, in 47 games. This year the 26 year old Denton Texas native has pitched in 44 games, and 44 innings. The right hander has posted a 2-3 record, and a 2.66 ERA, with 8 saves and 37 whiffs. Guerra was hit in the jaw with a line drive earlier in April by Brave’s catcher Brian McCann, and was soon afterwards moved from the closer role. Kenley Jansen took over at closer, and Javy was moved to middle relief, (after a brief DL stint) with both pitchers flourishing in their new roles. With rosters set to expand in less than ten days, we should see Javy back up again soon.

As for De La Rosa, he is way ahead of schedule. The Dodgers have said he will pitch out of the bullpen, and will most likely not make any starts for the rest of the season. However many others including myself believe he could get a couple of starts down the stretch. In the meantime, we might need De La Rosa to work some long relief innings tonight. Because with the incompetent Joe Blanton on the mound, we’re going to need all the help we can get.