The Royals announced they have officially called up Luinder Avila to start tonight’s game against the Brewers, and have placed left-hander Bailey Falter on the 15-day Injured List with left elbow inflammation retroactive to yesterday. Falter faced six hitters on Wednesday night against the Twins and gave up three hits and two walks. Michael Wacha was scheduled to make the start Friday night, but was scratched due to illness, requiring Avila to be called up.
Falter has given up five runs and eight hits in 3.1 innings in his two games so far. The Royals acquired him last July and he has given up 20 runs in 15.1 innings since his trade from the Pirates. The Royals could have non-tendered him last winter, but chose to pay him $3.6 million to provide starting pitching depth. Falter is out of options, so he can’t be sent to the minors without clearing waivers. He was fairly effective in 2024 with the Pirates when he had a 4.43 ERA in 28 starts, although with a low strikout rate.
Luinder Avila appeared in 13 games with the Royals last year, giving up just two runs with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings for an ERA of 1.29. He started the first game for Omaha, and he gave up two runs in three innings with three strikeouts.
Avila is ranked as the #9 prospect in the Royals’ farm system by MLB Pipeline. He throws from a high angle, and tends to induce a lot of groundballs. His curveball had a 48 percent whiff rate in limited big league action. He was also impressive in the World Baseball Classic, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run for Team Venezuela.
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