The Red Sox returned pitcher Jamie Vermilyea to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday after choosing him three months ago in the winter meeting draft.

The rules of the draft required Boston to keep him on the roster the entire 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.