Dodgers 2013 End-Of-Season Player Evaluations: Matt Guerrier

Relief pitcher Matt Guerrier signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers after the 2010 season and was expected to take on a prominent role in the bullpen. That plan never quite worked out as Guerrier’s ERA hovered around 4.00 as a Dodger. In 2012, Guerrier only pitched in 16 games due to elbow inflammation and came into 2013 healthy and looking to deliver in the last year of his contract.

Regular Season Grade: D-

Guerrier began the year on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, but didn’t last much longer on the actual Dodger roster. The right-hander pitched in 34 games for the team and had an ERA of 4.80. In 30 innings of work, Guerrier allowed 18 total runs, two that were unearned and issued 12 walks. With an array of young arms in the farm system, it seemed like Guerrier’s days were numbered.

In what would be his last appearance as a Dodger, Guerrier gave up four hits and three runs in 1.1 inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. In his previous five appearances, the 35-year-old allowed runs in four of those appearances and on June 30, the Dodgers designated him for assignment.

On July 2, the Dodgers traded Guerrier to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for relief pitcher Carlos Marmol and an International signing bonus slot. With the Cubs, Guerrier had more success posting a 2.13 ERA in 15 appearances; however, he was placed on the 60-day disabled list in early August with elbow problems. This would be the second year in a row that he was placed on the 60-day DL.

Playoff Grade: C+

Even though Guerrier didn’t play in the postseason, he was the reason the Dodgers got Marmol. In the NLCS, Marmol threw 3.2 innings of scoreless baseball while allowing just one hit. Guerrier didn’t personally impact the Dodgers’ run. but was a reason for a reliable reliever in the Championship Series.

Overall Grade: D

Although Marmol turned out to be a positive trade for the Dodgers, Guerrier was ineffective as a Dodger. The right-hander may have become a victim of overuse, throwing in 70 or more games for five straight seasons heading into the 2013 season. He will have a tough time finding a spot in the majors as a 35-year-old reliever with elbow problems and it is almost certain that he will not find another three-year deal, especially with the Dodgers.

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In case you missed it, here are the Adrian Gonzalez “Mickey Mouse” antics from the NLCS.