ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 08: The Atlanta Braves logo is illuminated by sunlight before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 8, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed a top spot in the National League playoff race for most of this season, but the club has continued to shuffle its organizational depth as it searches for answers during a difficult stretch.
The Braves’ bullpen recently took a hit when righty Tyler Kinley was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow issue and the team recalled JR Ritchie from Triple-A Gwinnett to take his spot. Then, on Thursday, news surfaced that the team also cut ties with a veteran reliever who was pitching for their Triple-A affiliate.
Atlanta Braves Cut Ties With 5-Year Veteran Javvy Guerra
According to the official transaction log, the Braves released veteran reliever Javy Guerra in the midst of a harsh stretch on the mound.
Guerra had been pitching on a minor league deal and did not appear in a major league game for the Braves before the decision was made, but he has some significant big-league experience in his career.
Across five seasons with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, Guerra has 63 innings and 45 strikeouts under his belt. His best campaign came in a 17-game stint for the Rays in 2022, when he maintained a 3.38 ERA across 16 innings. But he has never really been able to sustain major-league success for a significant run.
He has also pitched professionally in Japan and for Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic, and he could look to continue his career overseas after this latest setback.
Atlanta Braves Face Turmoil In The Bullpen
While Atlanta initially viewed Guerra as a potential depth option, he was unable to work his way into the major league bullpen picture.
Pitching for Triple-A Gwinnett this season, Guerra had a harsh 5.68 ERA across 16 games, giving up 16 earned runs in just 25 and one-third innings.
The Braves have been aggressive in cycling through pitching options throughout the season as injuries and performance issues have forced the club to continuously evaluate roster alternatives. And the team will surely have to continue to make roster adjustments as it navigates a competitive National League race.
Atlanta’s front office has shown a willingness to move quickly when evaluating depth pieces, and Guerra became the latest veteran to find himself on the outside looking in.
Meanwhile, the pitcher’s professional resume suggests he could receive another opportunity elsewhere. The 30-year-old could provide some bullpen depth elsewhere, but his harsh stretch with the Braves organization might be a cause for concern across affiliated baseball.