Guardians Acquiring Right-Hander Pedro Avila from Padres: Detailed Analysis and Integration Plan

Benjamin Bull April 17, 2024

40 1 minute read

According to a report by Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase (via X), the Guardians are in the process of acquiring right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila from the Padres. Avila was recently designated for assignment by the San Diego organization.

The Cleveland #Guardians are acquiring RHP Pedro Ávila, who was DFA'd by the San Diego #Padres on April 12th, sources tell @ElExtrabase.

— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) April 17, 2024

Avila has faced challenges during the beginning of the 2024 season, allowing eight runs across four appearances spanning eight innings. Despite striking out nine batters, he has also issued six walks and thrown three wild pitches, showcasing inconsistency in his command—a recurring issue throughout his tenure in the major leagues. Notably, Avila has walked nearly 12% of the batters he has faced over his 71 2/3 career innings.

While Avila has yet to establish consistent success, he has demonstrated an ability to generate strikeouts at the major league level, boasting a solid 11.7% swinging strike rate. Although his fastball velocity typically ranges between 93-94 MPH, his changeup has proven to be an effective pitch for inducing swings and misses.

Primarily utilized as a reliever in the majors, Avila has experience as a starter in the minors, although his recent performances in that role have been subpar. In the Pacific Coast League last season, he struggled with an 8.57 ERA over 19 appearances, 15 of which were starts. His career Triple-A ERA stands at 5.59 across 190 innings, with a strikeout rate of 23.2% and a walk rate of 11.2%.

Due to his lack of minor league options, Avila cannot be sent down without passing through waivers. The Guardians are expected to integrate him into their MLB bullpen as a long reliever, leveraging their roster flexibility in that area. With the exception of Tyler Beede, the current middle innings group can all be optioned to the minors.

Despite their relative inexperience, the Guardians’ bullpen has performed admirably so far this season, boasting an MLB-best 1.76 ERA and the league’s fourth-highest strikeout rate (27.6%). With a full 40-man roster, Cleveland will need to make a corresponding move upon finalizing Avila’s acquisition.