Cleveland Guardians right-hander Pedro Avila rejected his outright assignment to the minor leagues on Thursday and elected to become a free agent. Avila was designated for assignment by the Guardians on Jan. 22 but passed through waivers unclaimed. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with any team and should land on his feet somewhere before the start of the 2025 regular season. The Venezuelan hurler made his major-league debut with the San Diego Padres back in 2019. He began last season with the Friars before joining Cleveland. He appeared in a total of 54 games in relief for both teams in 2024 and held a 6-1 record, 3.81 ERA (3.89 FIP), a 1.32 WHIP, his first career save and a 82:36 K:BB in 82 2/3 innings pitched. At worst, Avila should be able to land a minor-league deal somewhere as relief depth.
According to MLB.com, the Cleveland Guardians have sent right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila outright to Triple-A Columbus. Avila was designated for assignment last week to open a roster spot for Paul Sewald but cleared waivers. As a result, Avila will open the 2025 season at the Triple-A level. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 82 2/3 innings at the major league level with both the Padres and Guardians. Across this stint, the relief pitcher posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. He tallied one save. Under the hood, he generated a 4.62 xERA and .261 xBA, which suggests he will likely see some regression during the 2025 campaign. Avila could see time in the majors if the Guardians need additional depth in their bullpen later in the season.
According to the team, the Cleveland Guardians have designated right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Paul Sewald, who the team signed to a one-year $6 million contract earlier on Wednesday. Last season, Avila was deployed out of the Cleveland bullpen. Across 82 2/3 innings of work, the 28-year-old posted a 3.81 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. He struck out 82 batters but carried a high 10.2% walk rate. He also generated a 4.62 xERA and .261 xBA, which suggests that he could see some regression during the 2025 campaign. However, he did limit hard contact well with a strong 5.2% barrel rate. The 28-year-old will likely find a suitor and compete for a spot in a bullpen during spring training.
Pedro Avila Strikes Out Seven In Padres Season Finale
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Pedro Avila fanned seven White Sox batters in over five shutout innings to win 2-1 on Sunday. Despite the Padres being out of the postseason race, Avila gave up only three hits in the game, all base hits. He also didn't surrender a walk in the contest. The 26-year-old, in this year's campaign, posted a record of 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 50 1/3 innings of work.
San Diego Padres right-hander Pedro Avila is getting another start on Thursday against the visiting San Francisco Giants. In his second start of the season and third of his career last weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers, Avila wasn't so hot, giving up five earned runs and two walks in 4 1/3 innings pitched before left-hander Rich Hill took over. However, the Friars don't really have many options, so the 26-year-old will get another chance at home in a more favorable matchup. Overall this year, Avila has been strong out of the bullpen for San Diego, posting a nice 2.63 ERA (2.94 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, 11 walks and 32 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings over his eight appearances (two starts). In fantasy, he won't be a recommended streamer and is unlikely to go long enough to get credited with a win.
Domingo Tapia Recalled, Pedro Avila Sent To Triple-A Monday
The San Diego Padres made some moves in the bullpen on Monday, sending right-hander Pedro Avila to Triple-A El Paso and recalling right-hander Domingo Tapia. Avila will report to Triple-A after throwing three scoreless innings and striking out four for the Padres on Sunday. Tapia will take over in a middle relief role in the San Diego bullpen. He has posted a 2.60 ERA across 14 appearances in 2023.
San Diego Padres manager Andy Green announced that pitcher Pedro Avila will start on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It'll be San Diego's third starting pitcher to make their major league debut already this season. Robbie Erlin will be optioned to the minors in a corresponding move. Avila, a 22-year-old right-hander, posted a 4.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and decent 9.8 K/9 24 outings (20 starts) for High-A Lake Elsinore last season. You shouldn't be trusting him for a spot start in DFS contests in his first taste of the majors.
Pedro Avila
• RP
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Guardians
