Blue Jays: Does Sam Gaviglio have a future in Toronto?

Expected to just fill the role of the suspended Thomas Pannone at AAA Buffalo until he could return, Sam Gaviglio was never supposed to be in the conversation for the rotation of the 2019 Blue Jays. Yet, here we are . Has Gaviglio done enough to earn himself a future in Toronto?

Sam Gaviglio was acquired March 21^st of this year from the Royals for cash considerations. The young right hander was expected to be pitching in the AAA Buffalo rotation after Thomas Pannone was handed an 80 game suspension for use of PED’s. After injuries and underperformance to basically the entire Blue Jays rotation, Gaviglio got a call up from the big league ball club.

In his first start with the Blue Jays, he pitched three strong innings, giving up only one hit, and no runs. He picked up his first win with the team against none other then the Boston Red Sox. Since then, things haven’t gone so good for the starter. On the season, Gaviglio is 2-6, with a 5.13 ERA.

Even though Gaviglio hasn’t been amazing, he’s been good enough, and has actually been one of the more reliable starters in the Jays rotation. Sanchez has been hurt for most of the season, and the same goes for Stroman. Estrada has been injured and hasn’t been great when he is playing, and Garcia has been moved to the bullpen. With all those reasons, and Gaviglio’s decent pitching this season, you might think that he’s done enough to be a part of the team next season.

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With Estrada most likely gone next year, that leaves a spot in the rotation. With Ryan Borucki impressing already, Sean Reid-Foley getting a taste of the majors, and Pannone slated to make his first career start this week, there’s a chance all three will most likely be with Toronto next season rather than Buffalo. With Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman slated to return, that’s five starts. Of course, we know that it’s a near certainty they’re going to need more than five.

Gaviglio has been good enough this season, but most likely won’t be a starting pitcher for this team on Opening Day. Gaviglio could go down to AAA to help the Bisons, or could be moved to the bullpen for the big league squad. More likely, he’ll continue to serve as rotation depth within the organization and bide his time until an opportunity comes along.

He’s made an unexpectedly good first impression on the Blue Jays thus far, so I’d be surprised if he didn’t at least get an opportunity to break camp with the club, just don’t be surprised if he falls a little short.