Tigers part ways with general manager Avila

Al Avila was fired as Detroit Tigers general manager on Wednesday, ending a sevenyear tenure without a playoff appearance.

“I wish the results would have been better this season,” Avila said in a statement. “But know there is a lot to look forward to in the coming years.”

Owner Chris Ilitch announced the move with his team mired in another disappointing season. Detroit entered Wednesday at 43-68, last in the AL Central.

“Our progress certainly stalled this season,” Ilitch said before the Tigers hosted Cleveland.

Ilitch invested millions in the offseason in an attempt to return his team to contention.

“All of us — the players, front office and many of you (reporters) — had high expectations and excitement for the season,” he said. “Unfortunately, we did not see progress this season at the major league level. Big reason why I decided it's time to make a change.”

The Cuban-born Avila was the only current Latino general manager or equivalent in MLB, which has few minorities in leading front-office positions.

Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin takes over the day-to-day leadership role.

Avila was promoted to general manager on Aug. 4, 2015, after serving as Dave Dombrowski's assistant.

Avila's chance to lead the team coincided with a rebuilding process that prevented him from making short-term moves to win.

In hopes of long-term gain, Detroit dealt star pitcher Justin Verlander and All-Star outfielder J.D. Martinez in 2017, but the players the Tigers got in return didn't end up helping in the majors.

Detroit seemed to be poised for a breakthrough after winning 77 games in 2021, its best record since 2016, which at 8675 was its only winning season under Avila.