Last week, the Cleveland Guardians signed right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year deal to fortify their bullpen.
To make room on the roster for him, they had to designate fellow righty Pedro Avila for assignment.
It was a tough decision, given how serviceable Avila has been for Cleveland, but the team sees more upside on other arms, and thus, Avila was the one removed from the 40-man roster.
The Guardians sent Avila to waivers with the hope that he cleared them.
No one claimed him, and he will now be returning as a depth arm, as he was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Pedro Avila who was DFA’d back on 1/22/25 has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Columbus,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Pedro Avila who was DFA'd back on 1/22/25 has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 30, 2025
Considering how useful and versatile Avila can be, it’s rather surprising that no one claimed him via waivers.
The guy is coming off a 3.81-ERA season in 2024, with 82 strikeouts in 82.2 frames.
He also boasts a 3.51 ERA for his career.
In the postseason, where it matters most, Avila was a godsend for Cleveland.
He was mostly used when the team was losing or with the game tied, given the Guardians’ excellent quality and depth, but he kept them in the game more than once and gave them a chance to come back in the score.
Avila’s postseason ERA was a perfect 0.00 in four innings.
He didn’t even allow any hits.
The season is long, so Avila will surely have his chance again at some point.
Despite not being on the active roster anymore, he remains a valuable piece for the franchise.
NEXT: Guardians Star Is Part Of Exclusive Club
