Avila signed a one-year contract with the Nationals on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avila spent the 2020 season with the Twins, slashing .184/.355/.286 with one home run and two RBI over 62 plate appearances while appearing in 23 games. While Yan Gomes is expected to receive the majority of playing time behind the dish in 2021, Avila will provide a left-handed bat at the position and appears to be in line to serve as the team's primary backup.

Avila is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Avila started in two of the Twins' four games since he returned from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, but he may have to settle for more of a part-time role in the final week of the season. Minnesota brought back another catcher (Mitch Garver) from the IL on Friday, and he'll be behind the dish for Sunday's series finale. Ryan Jeffers is also still around as a third backstop.

Avila (back) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avila will return to action after spending just over the minimum amount of time on the injured list. He dealt with lower back tightness but should now serve as the Twins' primary catcher while Mitch Garver (side) remains unavailable.

Avila was placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back tightness Saturday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avila saw an uptick in playing time recently with Mitch Garver (side) on the injured list, but he'll now be sidelined with an injury of his own. Willians Astudillo was recalled in a corresponding move and should serve as the backup catcher behind Ryan Jeffers while Avila recovers.

Avila left Friday's game against the Tigers early due to a sore back, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avila had battled back issues in recent days but was asked to start the second game of Friday's doubleheader nonetheless. He evidently wasn't ready to do so, as he was removed early on for Ryan Jeffers, who started the first game of the day behind the plate as well.

Avila (undisclosed) is back in the lineup for the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Avila was scratched from the lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the White Sox and did not take part in the afternoon game Friday, but whatever the issue was has evidently cleared up. He'll catch and bat ninth.

Avila (undisclosed) will sit for the afternoon portion of Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Avila was removed from the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox for undisclosed reasons and remains out for at least one more game. It's possible he returns to the lineup for the nightcap, though the Twins did call up Willians Astudillo as the extra man for the doubleheader, which could indicate that Avila isn't yet ready to play. Ryan Jeffers starts behind the plate in the first game of the day.

Avila was removed from Wednesday's lineup against the White Sox for an undisclosed reason.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear whether an injury is limiting Avila's availability Wednesday, but he'll take a seat for the series finale against the White Sox. Ryan Jeffers will take his place behind the dish.

Avila is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Avila looked poised to take on a larger role after top backstop Mitch Garver (side) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, but the veteran will instead sit for the third time in four days while the newly recalled Ryan Jeffers draws another start behind the dish. Two of Jeffers' starts have come against southpaws, so Avila could still end up seeing the larger portion of work against right-handed starting pitchers while Garver is on the shelf.

Avila went 1-for-1 with a double, two walks and two runs Sunday in the Twins' 4-2 win over the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

After adding two more free passes to his ledger, Avila has now walked in 24.2 percent of his plate appearances this season to bring his on-base percentage up to .457. Avila's early success at the plate has allowed him to cut into the playing time of top backstop Mitch Garver, who has gotten off to a slow start. Garver will be back in the lineup for Monday's series finale while Avila heads back to the bench.