Pitcher returned to Toronto

FORT MYERS, Fla. --The Red Sox returned pitcher Jamie Vermilyea to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday after choosing him three months ago in the Rule 5 draft.

The rules of the draft required Boston to keep him on the roster the entire 2006 season or offer him back to Toronto. In one exhibition appearance, the right-hander allowed no runs in two innings but was competing for a job in a deep bullpen.

"The ball, just when he throws it down, guys just swing and miss or they hit grounders," manager Terry Francona said. "He's in a little bit of a tough spot with us. We have a very full, veteran staff but we certainly like what we see."

In 16 games last year at Triple-A Syracuse, including four starts, Vermilyea was 3-0 with a 5.60 ERA.