Royals Recall Luinder Avila for Brewers Start After Wacha Illness, Falter to IL

Overview

• Kansas City recalled right-hander Luinder Avila to start the series opener against the Brewers after Michael Wacha was scratched with an illness.
• The Royals opened a roster spot by placing left-hander Bailey Falter on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.
• The assignment marks Avila’s first major league start after 13 relief outings last season with a 1.29 ERA and a standout World Baseball Classic for Venezuela.
• The team kept its weekend plan intact, with Seth Lugo next in the rotation and Kris Bubic scheduled to follow.
• Falter had allowed five runs in 3.1 innings across two games and is out of minor-league options, a squeeze that puts added weight on Avila’s audition and the club’s pitching depth strategy.