Luis Ignacio Ayala Hernández (born January 12, 1978) is a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher.

At the end of the 2002 season, he was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, but two months later returned to the Expos as a Rule 5 pick.

Ayala made his major league debut on March 31, 2003, for the Expos against the Atlanta Braves, working two innings of relief and allowing one run and four hits.

[citation needed] Ayala injured his elbow on the last pitch of a 2006 World Baseball Classic game.

[citation needed] Ayala began the 2007 season on the 60-day disabled list due to still recovering from the Tommy John surgery he previously had.

After working eight rehab games in the minors, in which he allowed one run in 9-2/3 innings, on June 20, he was called up to the majors.

Ayala had requested the trade weeks earlier because he wanted a change of scenery, due to personal problems.

According to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, Ayala was released because he was unhappy with his role on the team.

Gardenhire said of Ayala: "When you walk into my office and tell me you don't like your role, and he talked about his contract for next year, you lose me right there.

"[5] Ayala signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 16, 2009.

[citation needed] On May 20, 2010, Ayala signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

[citation needed] On February 9, 2011, Ayala signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.

[8] On October 29, the Orioles announced they intended to exercise their club option on Ayala worth $1 million.

[citation needed] On April 10, 2013, Ayala was traded to the Atlanta Braves for minor league prospect Chris Jones.

On June 29, 2016, Ayala was loaned to the Diablos Rojos del Mexico of the Mexican Baseball League.

On March 22, 2018, Ayala signed with the Bravos de León of the Mexican Baseball League.