The Blue Jays added some organizational starting pitching depth on Wednesday night, acquiring right-hander Sam Gaviglio from the Royals for a player to be named or cash considerations.
Toronto optioned Gaviglio to the Minors and will send him to Minor League camp.
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To make room for Gaviglio on their 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated left-hander Matt Dermody for assignment. The 27-year-old Dermody had been a long shot to make the bullpen out of Spring Training.
Gaviglio made 13 starts and pitched in 16 games last season, his first in the Majors, split between the Royals and Mariners. The 27-year-old went 4-5 with a 4.36 ERA and had 49 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings.
He adds an arm to the Blue Jays organization in the wake of Thomas Pannone's suspension last week. Pannone, a 23-year-old lefty who was ranked the team's No. 26 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.