The Padres introduced that they’ve recalled left-hander Adrián Morejón from Triple-A El Paso, with right-hander Pedro Avila designated for project in a corresponding transfer.
Avila, now 27, has bounced on and off the Padres’ roster through the years. Initially acquired from the Nationals within the 2016 trade that despatched Derek Norris to Washington, Avila was added to the 40-man roster in November of 2018. On the finish of 2019, he was non-tendered and re-signed to a minor league deal. He acquired his roster spot again in October of 2021 however was outrighted in June of 2022, earlier than getting chosen to the roster but once more just a few months later in November.
Amid all of these transactions, Avila spent a lot of his time on elective project. He has pitched in elements of 5 main league seasons however solely has 71 2/3 innings to his title on the large league stage. 50 1/3 of these got here final yr, as he put up a 3.22 earned run common for the Friars. His 11.4% stroll fee final yr was on the excessive aspect however he managed to punch out 24.5% of batters confronted whereas getting grounders on 58.8% of balls in play.
Sadly, he hasn’t been capable of carry these outcomes over into 2024, not less than within the early going. He’s thrown eight innings this yr with eight earned runs having come round to attain. He struck out 9 batters but additionally walked eight.
Over his years as a Padre, Avila has burned by means of all of his choices and may’t be faraway from the lively roster with out additionally being faraway from the 40-man. The Friars will now have every week to commerce him or go him by means of waivers. If he had been to go by means of waivers unclaimed, he would have the best to elect free company by advantage of getting a earlier profession outright.
