Al Avila Out As Tigers General Manager: Reports

Detroit MI

10 August, 2022

5:24 PM

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DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers fired General Manager Al Avila Wednesday, according to multiple reports. Avila spent 22 years within the Tigers organization, including the last seven as the team's general manager. The Tigers never made the playoffs under his reign. "Once I decided to make a change, I sat down with Al and thanked him for his nearly 22 years of service to our organization," said Christopher llitch, Detroit Tigers chairman and CEO. "Al's loyalty and dedication has served as an example to all during his time as a leader in our baseball operations department." The Tigers are in the midst of a disappointing season after Avila made several offseason moves that raised expectations for the team to compete for the division title. During the offseason, the Tigers traded for veteran Cather Tucker Barnhart and signed infielder Javier Baez and starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to huge deals. Avila even proclaimed the rebuilding had entered its final stages. However, Baez is hitting .220 with just ten home runs, which is on pace for a career low with the exception of the 2020 COVID shortened season. Rodriguez has been away from the team for several months following a domestic dispute. Rodriguez is expected to make a rehab start in Toledo on Saturday. In addition, the Tiger's 2020 number one overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson was hitting just .197 with just five home runs before the team optioned him to Toledo. The Tigers entered Wednesday night's game against the Cleveland Guardians in last place of the American League Central with a dismal 43-68 record. The Tigers were 404-573 under Avila.