The Dodgers have designated pitcher Javy Guerra for assignment to make room on the roster for utilityman Chone Figgins, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick tweets. Guerra spent most of the 2013 season with Triple-A Albuquerque and posted a 6.75 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 in just 10 2/3 innings in the big leagues. He was, however, an effective member of the Dodgers' 2011 and 2012 bullpens, even serving as their closer in parts of both seasons, and he's still just 28. He entered 2014 out of options, and it would have been tricky for the Dodgers to fit him into a crowded bullpen.
Figgins, meanwhile, appears to be headed back to the Majors. He last appeared in the big leagues with the Mariners in 2012, when he hit .181/.262/.271 in 194 plate appearances.
Would be a decent pickup for anyone to give him a shot.
Aside from his versatility, what did Figgins do to earn a spot on the roster? I don’t know why they just didn’t hang on to Sellers.
I think you answered your own question. Versatility is a marketable skill.
The latest reports played up Figgins getting on base with walks, but he
was otherwise pathetic at the plate. I always thought Sellers had value
like they now talk about Rojas and Arruebarrena. I think maybe Sellers
was not progressing well from his old back problems and they did not
want that story leaked out
By keeping Turner and Figgins they still have Gorden and Areuberruena (sp?) as fallback plans. I can’t see much harm in seeing what they have first for a couple months.
Figgins didn’t hit well, but drew a lot of walks. I think there hoping he can do that.
However, his real value is defensive versatility. Figgins can play 2B, SS, 3B and all the OF positions so he can be used in a lot of ways.
Same goes for Justin Turner.
Best of luck Javy. I have to thank you for allowing me to witness a triple play in person in a bizarre ninth inning.
Great and maybe they can send League with him.
He must fit right in their clubhouse.
Hmm, would love to see the Cubs try and pick him up. Maybe not a ton of options to get rid of, but I wouldn’t miss Rondon too much.
He’s definitely an MLB-caliber reliever and should latch on with another team with no problem.