Pedro Avila, looking for a big-league gig, gets his release: Guardians takeaways

CLEVELAND, Ohio — When the Guardians told right-hander Pedro Avila that he wasn’t going to make the team Monday, manager Stephen Vogt made it sound like Avila was going to stay in the organization. On Tuesday, however, Avila asked for and was given his release. There’s a chance he could re-sign with the Guardians in the next several days, but right now he’s checking to see if there’s a big-league job waiting for him among the 29 other teams. “We’re just so pumped to have Pedro back,” said Vogt on Monday. “He wanted to come back to Cleveland. He trusts us and loves us and it’s reciprocated. We trust him and love him. “We told him, ‘We use 30 pitchers here every year.’ We know Pedro is going to help us win some major league games at some point. It’s just unfortunate that it’s not going to be on opening day.” Avila became a fan favorite in Cleveland in 2024 when he went 5-1 with a 3.25 ERA in 50 appearances. He went from pitching long relief to working in high-pressure situations, striking out 73 and walking 30 in 74 2/3 innings. He spent last season in Japan, starting for the Yakult Swallows. The Guardians brought him to big-league camp this year on a minor league deal. If Avila can’t find a big-league job, there’s a chance he could sign a minor league deal with Cleveland and open the season at Triple-A Columbus. One and done Let’s hope Brayan Rocchio at least cashed in on his frequent flyer miles. The Guardians’ second baseman left Goodyear, Arizona on Friday night to join Italy for its semifinal game against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Italy lost to Venezuela on Monday with Rocchio making a pinch-hitting appearance. Then he boarded a plane and flew back to Arizona. That’s a long way to go for one at-bat. Jose Ramirez (left shoulder) missed his second straight game Tuesday night after injuring himself on a steal of third base Sunday against the A’s. The Guardians will reassess Ramirez after Wednesday’s off day. The news was better for utility man Daniel Schneemann (right ankle). Schneemann, after missing four games with a sprained right ankle, was back in Tuesday’s lineup at third base. Catcher Bo Naylor also returned to the lineup, although he wasn’t recovering from an injury. Naylor was behind the plate in his first game since playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Naylor hit .353 (6 for 17) with one homer and four RBI in the WBC. Tuesday was Slade Cecconi’s day to start, but the Guardians sent lefty Kolby Allard to the mound against the Reds instead. Cecconi, meanwhile, started a minor league game to keep him on track for the regular season. David Fry caught him. Manager Stephen Vogt said earlier in the spring the Guardians were going to stretch Allard out as a starter. Allard, in camp on a minor league deal, is going to be hard-pressed to make the 26-man roster, but he could agree to go to Columbus and continue to get stretched out as a starter. Cade Smith, Erik Sabrowski, Codi Heuer and Trevor Stephan are scheduled to follow Allard. Bench coach Tony Arnerich will manage the Guardians on Tuesday night. Vogt is away from the team for personal reasons. • Lefty Parker Messick will start Thursday’s game against Kansas City at Goodyear Ballpark. • Angel Martinez is tied for the Cactus League lead with nine extra base hits. He shares the lead with Shea Langeliers and Max Muncy of the A’s. • The Guardians are 5-11-2 on St. Patrick’s Day since moving their spring training headquarters to Goodyear, Arizona in 2009.