Source: Royals to Call-Up Pitcher Luinder Avila (Updated)

[Kevin O'Brien]

 

Before Thursday's series finale against the Twins, MLB Insider Francys Romero reported that the Royals were planning on calling up Luinder Avila from Omaha.

 

Avila had an excellent MLB debut in 2025 with the Royals. In 14.1 IP, he posted a 1.29 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 17.9% K-BB%. He also sported a 2.10 FIP and 28.6% K% with strong TJ Stuff+ marks, as illustrated in his TJ Stats summary below.

In addition to a 102 TJ Stuff+, he also generated a 28.3% chase rate, a 27.2% whiff rate, and .253 xwOBACON. His zone rate left a bit to be desired at 44.7%, but his chase and whiff rates made up for that slightly below-average zone rate. 

Avila started the season in Omaha despite putting up a 2.25 ERA in four innings of work in Cactus League play. The Venezuelan-born pitcher represented his country and won a championship at the World Baseball Classic, posting a 0.00 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 4.1 IP.

In his lone start in Omaha this season, Avila allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in three innings of work. 

No official word has been shared with the Royals about Avila, and he is still slated to start tonight's outing against Wichita at 6:35 p.m. at Werner Park in Omaha. 

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Update (11:20 PM): Ethan Bosacker replaced Avila in the Omaha rotation on Thursday evening in their 9-7 win over the Buffalo Bison (the Toronto Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate). Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported that Luinder Avila will replace Michael Wacha on Friday, as Wacha's start will be pushed back due to illness. 

 

It will be interesting to see what roster move the Royals will make. Alex Lange and Bailey Falter could be candidates to be replaced by Avila after rough outings on Wednesday, but they are out of Minor League options and would need to be DFA'd. The Royals could also add someone to the IL, though Wacha doesn't seem likely to need a stint despite his illness.

The Royals will make the move before their 6:40 p.m. game against the Milwaukee Brewers, who come to Kauffman Stadium 5-1 and are atop the NL Central division. 

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