Royals get relief pitcher Brian Broderick from Angels in exchange for Johnny Giavotella

The Royals acquired right-handed relief pitcher Brian Broderick on Friday in exchange for infielder Johnny Giavotella, who was designated for assignment Thursday.

Broderick is a non-roster acquisition and will not count against the Royals’ 40-man major-league roster limit. Giavotella was designated for assignment Thursday to clear space on the 40-man roster for Kris Medlen, a right-handed starter who joined the Royals on a two-year free-agent contract.

Broderick, 28, signed a free-agent contract with the Angels last month after making 60 relief appearances for the Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League in 2014. He compiled a 2.31 ERA and struck out 65 in 62 1/3 innings pitched. Broderick was drafted by the Cardinals in the 21st round in 2007 and has 11 career major-league appearances, all in relief for the Nationals in 2011.

This story was originally published December 19, 2014 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Royals get relief pitcher Brian Broderick from Angels in exchange for Johnny Giavotella."