Who Is Newest Guardians Pitcher Pedro Avila?

The Cleveland Guardians increased their pitching depth by acquiring Pedro Avila from the San Diego Padres.

Sep 5, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Pedro Avila (60) reacts after an inning-ending double play during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Guardians quest for more pitching depth led them to a trade with the San Diego Padres. Cleveland announced on Wednesday that they sent San Diego cash considerations in exchange for RHP Pedro Avila. He was recently designated for assignment by the Padres, but could still be a useful piece for the Guards.

Let’s get into who this newest member of the Guardians pitching staff is and what his role may be.

Avila, 27, has experience as both a starter and a relief pitcher during his time with the Padres. He appeared in 14 games in 2023, six of which were starts, and even finished two games as well. There’s flexibility here which is clearly something that will be crucial for the Guardians moving forward.

Avila may have just been DFA’d, but his start still does show some promise that he can be a key piece for Cleveland. He finished with a record of 2-2 last season and a 3.22 ERA. This was over 50.1 innings pitched where Avila also struck out 54 batters, issued 25 walks, and had an opponent batting average of .230. 

Sep 5, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Pedro Avila (60) reacts after an inning-ending double play during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

This will be Avila’s first time out of the Padres organization since he was signed out of Caracas, VZ by Washington. He was then traded to San Diego in 2016 in a deal for C Derek Norris.

In terms of what role Avila could have with the Guardians, it could be a little bit of everything. He has the experience to step into the rotation if called to do so and could also be a multi-innings reliever out of the bullpen. A lot of this could come down to what Ben Lively’s start looking like on Wednesday night.

One of the only remaining unknowns with the logistical side of this deal is that Avila has to be added to the roster. He will join the major league team “in the coming days” which means the Guardians will be required to make another move before then.