DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-hander Sam Gaviglio from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations Wednesday, aiming to bolster their starting pitching depth at triple-A Buffalo after the suspension of Thomas Pannone.
Gaviglio, 27, appeared in 16 big-league games with the Royals and Seattle Mariners last season, posting a 4.36 ERA but a 1.37 WHIP over 74.1 innings. Over 13 starts at triple-A Tacoma, he posted a 3.88 ERA in 72 innings and in his seven seasons of pro ball, has a strikeouts per nine rate of 7.1.
He’ll join a Bisons rotation expected to be fronted by Joe Biagini and Ryan Borucki and could also include Taylor Guerrieri, Deck McGuire, Nick Tepesch and Chris Rowley.
Major League Baseball suspended Pannone for 80 games last week after he tested positive for a banned substance.
To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated left-hander Matt Dermody for assignment.
[relatedlinks]
