Red Sox promote Luis Guerrero from Triple-A Worcester: ‘It’s a dream come true’
Luis Guerrero has overcome a lot to get to the point he is at in his life. The hard-throwing right-hander who grew up in Boston is going to fulfill his dream of pitching for the Red Sox.
Guerrero was promoted from Triple-A Worcester on Friday, ahead of the Red Sox three-game series with the White Sox from Fenway Park.
The righty, who had knee surgery and spent nine months in the hospital at the age of one, also has limited mobility in his knee because the muscles in that area didn’t grow like the others and walks with a noticeable limp.
He will now have an opportunity to live his dream and pitch on the mound at Fenway Park and for the Red Sox.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Guerrero to reporters in the Red Sox clubhouse on Friday afternoon. “I’m happy to be able to be here. It’s happiness all around, because I have a lot of family here that’s going to be able to come and watch me play. And for me, that’s very important. Also, I’m grateful for the opportunity that this organization has given me to play here for my childhood team.”
The 24-year-old has been dominating out of the bullpen for the WooSox. He has appeared in 42 games with a 3.31 ERA and has averaged 13.09 strikeouts per nine innings. He had allowed just one run in his previous 10 outings, dating back to Aug. 4. Over the course of his minor league career, he has a 2.93 ERA in 118 games.
“I feel like every inning you pitch you gain experience and you get to know the league a little bit more,” he said. “I feel like the time I spent in spring training here at the beginning of the year was huge because I was able to play with the best players and they all gave me advice, which was invaluable.”
Guerrero will wear No. 99 while with the Red Sox.
Red Sox designate Rich Hill for assignment
The Red Sox designated left-handed hurler Rich Hill for assignment on Friday. Guerrero will take his spot on the 28-man expanded roster.
The 44-year-old appeared in just four games in his fourth stint with the Sox. He allowed two earned runs on one hit and three walks while striking out five over 3 2/3 innings.
Last month, Hill threw in a showcase for big league clubs and drew an array of scouts from around the league. The veteran decided to accept a minor league pact with the Sox, and he reported to Triple-A Worcester.
Hill threw a handful of bullpens with the WooSox and made one appearance where he tossed two scoreless innings, striking out one batter in the process. Once he was recalled to Boston, the club never committed on whether he would be a starter or reliever. Ultimately, Hill was used out of the bullpen.
With Hill in limbo for the next few days, it’s not known if he will accept an outright assignment to Worcester or be released and sign with a new team. He is ineligible to be on any team’s playoff roster if he is claimed. It is very possible a playoff-contending team could add Hill and plug him into their bullpen down the stretch.
