The Chicago White Sox have made some incredible improvements this offseason. They are still a few moves away from being a playoff team, but the signings they have made have all been good. The returning players all have potential, as well. One of those players is right-hander Mike Vasil.
Vasil made his debut in 2025 and appeared in 47 games (three starts). In that time, Vasil was one of the best pitchers on the White Sox. In 101.0 innings pitched, he owned a 2.50 ERA while striking out 82 batters and allowing only 74 hits. His command was subpar, but it was still a great rookie season.
This year, Vasil was hoping to compete for a starting spot in the rotation. But that will not be the case with his recent injury news.
Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Vasil will undergo Tommy John surgery in the next few weeks, which will hold him out until the middle of the year in 2027.
This is a massive loss for Chicago.
White Sox Rotation Without Mike Vasil
GettyMike Vasil will undergo Tommy John Surgery.
Based on his stats from last year and his performance in spring training, Vasil had a great chance to make the rotation.
During spring training, Vasil had a 1.64 ERA across four outings. He pitched 11.0 innings, allowed nine hits, and struck out nine batters. He did have eight walks, so the command continued to be a problem. Still, he would have been a great No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
With Vasil missing the whole year, Chicago still has a few decisions to make regarding their starting pitchers. There are five rotation spots, and now six pitchers are competing.
Shane Smith is the opening day starter for the White Sox, while Davis Martin and Sean Burke have most likely locked up rotational spots. Per FanGraphs, the final two starting pitchers will be Anthony Kay and Erick Fedde.
There is one more player in the mix, though. Sean Newcomb wants to be a starter this year, and he has not been ruled out yet. He has a 4.91 ERA this spring, but has allowed more hits than innings pitched.
With spring training coming to an end, Will Venable has some decisions to make.
Other White Sox Injuries
GettyKyle Teel is dealing with a hamstring strain.
Davis is not the only player who will miss significant time this year. During the World Baseball Classic, Kyle Teel left a game with a hamstring injury. The hamstring strain will hold Teel out for 4-6 weeks.
The young backstop slashed .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs, 35 RBI, and 69 total hits in 78 games played last season. There was a lot of excitement for him to be a part of the lineup for a full year in 2026, but the White Sox will have to wait a bit longer.
The good news is Teel should be back in mid-April if everything goes as planned. He is not only an asset in the lineup, but he also does a good job taking care of the pitchers behind the plate, as well.
White Sox Receive Brutal Mike Vasil Injury News Before Opening Day