Javy Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

Right handed relief pitcher, and former closer Javy Guerra underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder on Friday. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to clean-up the joint and remove bursitis near where the collarbone meets the top of the scapula, (Anyone know what a scapula is?) or something like that. The club expects Guerra to be ready by spring training, but he won’t be able to start a throwing program for six weeks.

We hope for a quick recovery for Javy.-Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

Guerra has had a tough 2012 season. Guerra was drafted by the Dodgers in the 24^th round of the 2004 amateur draft. Guerra burst onto the scene in 2011, taking over the closer’s role from Jonathan Broxton. He pitched in 47 games that season, posting a 2-2 record, a 2.31 ERA, saving 21 games, and whiffing 38 batters, with a 7.3 whiff per nine rate. His solid performances earned him the praises of Dodger fans. Most built shrines of him, and began to call him “El Javy”. The Dodgers entered the 2012 season with Guerra the closer. Guerra struggled in April though, after being hit in the jaw with a Brian McCann line drive. Javy had to have knee surgery because he injured his right knee trying to get out of the way of the line drive. He was sidelined for several weeks after the knee surgery. He also suffered a strained oblique muscle which put him out for the last last few weeks of the 2012 season.

Guerra still had a respectable season in 2012. He posted a 2-3 record, a 2.60 ERA, 8 saves, but five blown saves, in 45 games. In 45 innings, he whiffed 37, and finished with a 7.4 whiff per nine rate. Javy has a career 2.45 ERA, and 29 saves.

It’s important to recognize and respect Javy’s efforts in the Dodger bullpen over the last two seasons. He’s been a solid pitcher, and we hope for a quick recovery for our El Javy.

That’s the thirteenth surgery for the Dodgers this year. Remarkably, Guerra himself has overcome Tommy John reconstructive surgery on his elbow. We hope to be seeing the El Javy fan club back with full force in the Dodger bullpen in 2013.