SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox largely utilized Mike Vasil as a bulk reliever in 2025.
The right-hander also made three starts in June, pitching into the fourth inning each time. And he experienced the high pressure of the ninth inning, collecting four saves.
This spring, Vasil is competing for a spot in the rotation.
“I did everything last year,” he said earlier during camp. “It was cool that I could pitch in a bunch of different roles for me to focus on getting better every day. I’m not really looking to do one thing or the other, but for me to have the opportunity to go out and win a spot is huge and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”
Vasil started Sunday, allowing one run on three hits with one strikeout and two walks in 1 1/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch. Afterward he described the outing as “pretty bad.”
“The sinker was way off,” he said. “But there’s only one way to go and it’s up. Make adjustments, work on some stuff and get back out there and look for some more improvement.
“Prior to this, (the sinker) was feeling great. You are always going to have those days. For me, it’s going to happen with working on the shape and command of it. It’s important I was able to be in a game situation and experience that because now I’ve got some good stuff to work on.”
The Sox rotation is far from set.
Shane Smith, Davis Martin and offseason addition Anthony Kay likely will occupy three spots. Smith allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits with one walk in 1 2/3 innings in Monday’s start against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields.
“It’s good to get back out there again,” Smith said. “I did a decent job filling up the zone and winning the race to (two strikes). Getting a walk is frustrating, but other than that I filled up the zone pretty good.”
Sean Burke, Jonathan Cannon, Erick Fedde, Chris Murphy and Sean Newcomb are among several pitchers in camp with starting experience in either the majors or minors. Burke was locked in Sunday, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings.
“We’re not making any decisions here on these first couple (outings), want to let these guys get their feet wet,” manager Will Venable said before Monday’s game. “But it’s nice to be out there competing and seeing these guys.
“You think about all the moments (Vasil) had last year and just to see him back on the mound was great. Same with these other guys, some of these guys we haven’t seen before. It’s nice to see them go out there and do their thing.”
White Sox manager Will Venable talks to pitcher Mike Vasil during the second inning against the Brewers in a Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Vasil, who turns 26 next month, went 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 47 appearances as a rookie in 2025. He struck out 82 and walked 52 in 101 innings after the Sox claimed him off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on March 23. The Philadelphia Phillies had selected Vasil in the Rule 5 draft from the New York Mets in December 2024, then traded him to the Rays later that day for cash considerations.
He led major-league relievers with 25 appearances of at least two innings.
“It’s still the same vibe that I like to go out there and compete, and whatever role I’m in, I like to feel like I earned it,” Vasil said Sunday. “Most importantly for me, it’s always going to be preparation for the season.
“So even last year, I guess I was Rule 5 competing for a spot, but I knew I was going to pitch wherever at some point during the year. It’s still the same thing. I’m getting ready for the season. I want to be in the best possible position. Today, kind of punched myself in the face. For me, it’s just a way to be like, ‘OK, you have some stuff to work on right now, let’s get to it.’”
The focus is on strikes. Vasil threw 42 pitches Sunday, 23 of them strikes.
“He has to be in the zone … top of the list for him,” Venable said. “When he’s in the zone, he can be as effective as anybody. It’s about commanding that baseball and being aggressive in the zone.”
The Sox played the Rockies on Monday without shortstop Colson Montgomery, who was scratched because of an illness.
“He got his workout in and was just not feeling well,” Venable said. “He wanted to play. I just thought at this time in the year, it was better for him to get hydrated and recover.”