Dodger relief pitcher Javy Guerra has 29 Major League saves in three seasons. Photo by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers, LLC 2013

By Cary Osborne

Going into Spring Training, it’s already evident that there are few spots in the bullpen that are up for grabs. One of the faces competing for a spot, former Dodger closer Javy Guerra, understands the difficult odds of making the Opening Day roster and will go into Camelback Ranch motivated to beat those odds.

“We have a great pitching staff, a lot of bullpen arms,” Guerra said. “It’s going to be tough to crack this team, but I’m up for the challenge. It’s a great opportunity and a great time to be a Dodger.”

The Dodgers signed free agents Chris Perez and Jamey Wright and brought back Brian Wilson and J.P. Howell. Kenley Jansen is the closer, and Brandon League gives the pen another veteran. On top of that, left-hander Paco Rodriguez and hard-throwing right-hander Chris Withrow showed last year they are Major League ready.

So where does that leave Guerra?

That’s to be determined in Spring Training. He is out of options, so to be sent to the minor leagues, he would have to pass through waivers.

The 28-year-old Texan burst onto the scene in 2011, converting on his first 10 save opportunities. He was 21-of-23 that season and went into 2012 as the Dodgers’ closer. By early May, he had lost the closer role to Jansen. By season’s end he had two extended stays on the disabled list (knee surgery, oblique strain). Last season, he spent most of the year in Triple-A Albuquerque. In nine Major League games in 2013, his WHIP had grown to 1.969 from 1.179 that rookie year.

Guerra said there are differences today, though.

“I’ve gotten mentally stronger about it,” he said. “I’ve probably handled things poorly here and there. Overall (I have more) maturity. In the offseason, I talked to the right people, having the right people reach out to me. This team, organization-wise, has really gone above and beyond anything I’ve asked. It’s my turn to repay that favor and come back.”

Guerra is one of those guys people like to root for — fan friendly, media friendly and charming. And now he’s a possible comeback story and underdog. If he doesn’t crack the Opening Day roster, he realizes that that doesn’t necessarily spell the end with the Dodgers. He could clear waivers and be back at some point in 2014.

Nineteen different pitchers were used in relief for the Dodgers in 2013.

“My goal is to show up healthy (to Spring Training) — I am now — and prove that I can throw strikes,” Guerra said. “I know I can play in the big leagues.

“There are injuries. Guys will go down, and there will be more than 25 guys needed for us to go as far as we need to go this year.”