Brewers News: Javy Guerra Traded Back To The Tampa Bay Rays

5.5 months ago the Tampa Bay Rays traded Javy Guerra to the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later. That player ended up being Victor Castanada. In a turn of events, Javy Guerra is now heading back to the sunshine state via trade for a player to be named later or cash.

The Milwaukee Brewers are trading Javy Guerra back to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Javy Guerra was designated for assignment by Milwaukee earlier in the week. The hard throwing right-handed pitcher is out of minor league options and has been struggling with command to begin the 2023 season. In eight appearances with the Crew he walked nine batters.

Along with the walks, Guerra has allowed eight earned runs over 8.1 innings pitched, giving him an 8.64 ERA. Despite the slow start the Rays will be adding him to their 40-man roster. Tampa Bay has designated right-handed pitcher Braden Bristo for assignment in order to make room for him.

With the Rays a season ago, Guerra pitched to a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings pitched. He has had success with the organization and they are familiar with him. A reunion to see if he can pick up right where he left off is a low risk gamble from the leagues hottest team to start the 2023 season.

Could other Milwaukee Brewers pitchers be in danger of meeting the same fate as Javy Guerra?

Pitchers in the Brewers bullpen that are out of minor league options and could meet a similar fate as Javy Guerra if they struggle include Matt Bush, Bryse Wilson, and Joel Payamps. Matt Bush is currently on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, but Bryse Wilson and Joel Payamps have both started the season off strong.

Once fully ramped up, Adrian Houser will be another pitcher who is out of minor league options. He completed his fourth rehab appearance with the Nashville Sounds on Friday and could rejoin the team very soon.

While not out of minor league options, Gus Varland is in a unique situation. He was a Rule-5 draft selection and must remain on the Brewers active roster all season or risk being returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently wrapping up a rehab assignment and could be back during Milwaukee's next road trip.

Perhaps the Brewers could get Victor Castaneda back as the player to be named later after they named him as the player originally sent to Tampa.