GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- After a winding career that included being drafted by the Cubs in 2007 and playing for the Indians in the 2016 World Series, outfielder Brandon Guyer is now hoping to make the White Sox's 25-man roster out of spring training after signing a minor league deal in early February.
Guyer, 33, has a chance to do just that if he can stay healthy.
"I came into camp feeling great," Guyer said. "During our first infield-outfield drill, I sprained my elbow. I missed 10 days. I am long tossing today and hopefully in a game in a day or two."
Guyer is used to a changing role. He played for Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay and Terry Francona in Cleveland, and both managers used him in multiple ways and situations. He also soaked up all the wisdom he could from them.
"Both guys are players' coaches," Guyer said. "These are guys you want to play for. I tell everyone I am so lucky to have played for two of the best managers I feel that ever managed games. It was a great atmosphere, and the clubhouses were both loose and fun. I think that's when players perform their best. Not too many players can say they got to play for two managers of that caliber. I was very lucky."
The White Sox could use a right-handed bat to platoon with the lefty-swinging Jon Jay in the outfield, and that's a role Guyer is aiming to fill. Guyer is a career .250 hitter with a .727 OPS who can play all three outfield positions. He struggled in 2018, hitting .206 with seven homers, 27 RBIs and a .671 OPS in 103 games with the Indians.
"We have been getting him as many at-bats as we can in B games," manager Rick Renteria said. "He is close to getting back on the field again. He is completing a long-toss program today. We are hoping to give as a look as we can."
Guyer has embraced his utility role from the beginning of his career.
"I was always grateful for having a professional career," Guyer said. "Obviously, the competitor in you wants to play every day. I decided to embrace whatever role was thrown my way to help my teams win. I always had that mentality through college to the minor leagues and big leagues. I was always a team-first guy."
Guyer is perhaps best remembered for his role in the Cubs' historic win against the Indians in a classic Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. Guyer doubled home a run in the eighth inning to cut Cleveland's deficit to 6-4, then was on base when Rajai Davis followed with a game-tying homer. The Cubs would win in 10 innings.
"That was a surreal experience," Guyer said. "Being on second base and watching the ball go over the wall, I said to myself its meant to be. We are going to win the Series. Still, even though we lost, I still look back at what a great historical moment in baseball history it was to be a part of."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
