Royals acquire RHP Brian Broderick from Angels for infielder Johnny Giavotella

The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has acquired right-handed pitcher Brian Broderick from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infielder Johnny Giavotella. Broderick is a non-roster acquisition and will not count against the Royals' 40-man roster.

Broderick, 28, signed a free agent contract with the Angels on November 28 after spending the 2014 season with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Independent Atlantic League. He made 60 relief appearances, going 0-2 with a 2.31 ERA (17 ER in 62.1 IP) with nine walks and 65 strikeouts. The righty was previously part of the Washington Nationals' organization, making 11 appearances at the big league level in 2011. He was originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 21st round of the 2007 June Free Agent Draft.

Giavotella, 27, was designated for assignment on Thursday.