Guerrero ended up getting optioned to Triple-A Worcester but he’ll likely be one of the first relievers promoted once Boston needs to dip into its depth.
A cutter was a pitch introduced to Guerrero during camp to complement his four-seam fastball and changeup. He also throws a sweeper.
“Something to throw lefties, kind of throw them off the changeup,” Guerrero said through translator/defensive coach Iggy Suarez on Friday at Polar Park before Worcester’s regular season opener.
Guerrero appeared to be in a good position to make the Opening Day roster early in camp. The 24-year-old was in the high-90s with his fastball and allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six in 3 scoreless innings (three relief outings) to begin Grapefruit League play.
But control became an issue. He walked eight batters and gave up six runs in his final four Grapefruit League outings (2 ⅔ innings). The Red Sox optioned him to Worcester on March 19.
“Feel it was a good spring training,” Guerrero said. “Kind of part of the process knowing there’s going to be bumps on the road. Trying out a new pitch. So trying to get comfortable with that.”
He’s motivated to get back to the big leagues. He didn’t allow an earned run in 10 innings during his first major league stint last September. He limited opponents to one unearned run, six hits (just one extra-base hit) and two walks while striking out nine over nine outings. Guerrero, who had previously struggled with control in the minors, did a much better job throwing strikes during the second half last year.
“It’s part of the process,” Guerrero said. “At the end of the day, they make the decisions. It’s just something that’s out of my control. Keep working is something I’m going to take advantage of down here. Do the necessary adjustments to get back to the big leagues.”
Cora pointed out that young players can let their nerves get to them when they are trying to make their first Opening Day roster.
“That comes into play, too,” Cora said. “Sometimes they try to do too much. And our job as an organization is kind of like ‘Slow it down. You will be fine.‘”
Guerrero said already experiencing one big league spring training camp helped with the jitters this spring.
“But it’s all part of the process — just trying to stay as grounded as you can to be able to (stay) present … to get through that.”
