The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Luis Avilan from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Avilan takes the active roster spot vacated by Louis Coleman, who was placed on the bereavement List so he can tend to a family matter.
Coleman must remain on the bereavement list for a minimum of three days, with a maximum stay of seven days. In five games this season, Coleman owns a 7.20 ERA, 4.84 FIP and 1.60 WHIP over five innings pitched.
After posting back-to-back scoreless relief appearances, Coleman has allowed at least one run in each of his last three games. The right-handed reliever signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers in mid-February, and made the roster ahead of Avilan with a strong showing in spring.
Avilan threw six scoreless innings for the Oklahoma City Dodgers over five appearances, with three walks and nine strikeouts. The southpaw last pitched on Monday, striking two in 1.2 innings against Nashville.
Opponents were 3-for-21 (.143) against Avilan during his time in Triple-A. Avilan struggled during Spring Training, allowing a combined 15 hits and 12 runs (nine earned) while striking out seven and walking three in nine Cactus League appearances (seven innings).
After being traded to the Dodgers last season, Avilan made 23 relief appearances. He held a 5.17 ERA, 3.64 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in those outings. The 26 year old managed to overcome the rough stretch and eventually found his footing to solidify himself as a late-inning option.
Including time with the Braves, Avilan finished the 2015 season with 4.05 ERA, 3.66 FIP, 1.18 WHIP and 49 strikeouts to 15 walks in 53.1 innings (73 appearances). He avoided arbitration with the Dodgers by agreeing to a one-year $1.39 million contract.
Given that J.P. Howell threw 33 pitches over a combined 1.2 innings in the first two games of the series, Avilan joins Adam Liberatore as a left-hander who is available to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
There was some thought of placing Pedro Baez on the disabled list after he was hit in the back of the head by an Adam Liberatore warmup toss on Wednesday night. Baez reported improvement on Thursday and passed concussion protocol.
