The Rangers are in agreement with Sam Gaviglio on a minor-league contract, reports MLBTR’s Steve Adams (Twitter link). He’ll receive an invitation to major league spring training.
Gaviglio has seen big league action in each of the past four seasons, mostly as a member of the Blue Jays. Primarily a starting pitcher early in his MLB career, the right-hander has worked exclusively out of the bullpen the past two seasons. Gaviglio has never been much of a strikeout arm but he throws strikes and has induced ground balls at a decent clip. Altogether, the 30-year-old has tossed 296.2 innings of 4.88 ERA/4.37 SIERA ball at the highest level.
There’s plenty of room for Gaviglio to earn his way onto the Rangers’ active roster with a strong showing in spring training, especially if the club sees him as a potential starting option. Kolby Allard, the current favorite for the final spot in the rotation, was knocked around for an 8.80 ERA last year. Texas’ bullpen composition is also uncertain beyond the top four of Jonathan Hernández, Joely Rodríguez, José Leclerc and Taylor Hearn.
Sounds like a good low risk add.
Jays fan report:
He’s… uh… ok I guess
I’m kinda surprised the article has just been posted since it happened a few hours ago, but better late than never.
I’ve looked through videos of his, and I really hate his delivery as it just looks very lazy. Like coach pitch little league. He really just stays loose and slings the ball in very slow like, but whatever works for him, I guess. (Though it makes him have the velocity of my grandmother)
I hate to rip on the guy, and I hope he does well for us as a LR, but I don’t have much hope.
Good job Steve for breaking the news though! I love to see when the MLBTR staff can break some news.
shut + up
When you start your own blog you can break news as fast as you want. Until then I will enjoy reading this free website at my leisure.
Soft-tossing guy who doesn’t miss bats, he’ll enjoy AAA for the year. Very pedestrian signing.
Yeah because high velo guys are so much more effective, right? Guys turn on a 100 likes it’s being thrown underhand. I prefer guys who can spot with their FB, then pull the string. Keeps hitters off balance and induces weak contact. With his GB rate, that’s probably his best option – keep the hitters off balance.
You missed the doesn’t miss bats part.
He’s better than Roark!
He is fine. Better than Roark, better than Loup, could do worse.
Needs to to be totally on with his control otherwise can get hit hard. Initially had some good games but couldn’t be trusted in critical situations.