The White Sox made a surprising roster decision over the weekend by optioning right-handed reliever Gus Varland to Triple-A Charlotte.
Varland had a solid showing in 19 games with the White Sox last season. In 20.1 innings of work, he posted a 3.54 ERA with a 28.2% strikeout rate. However, he struggled during his seven appearances in Spring Training with a 9.82 ERA and six walks in 7 ⅓ innings.
Shortly after Varland was demoted the White Sox claimed Mike Vasil off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Prelander Berrora was transferred to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move to make room for Vasil on the 40-man roster.
The 25-year-old was initially drafted by the New York Mets in the 2021 amateur draft and appeared in the 2023 Futures Game, however, he has yet to make his MLB debut. Vasil bounced around several clubs this offseason. He was selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft before being traded to the Rays shortly after. This Spring he posted a 5.91 ERA in 10 ⅔ spring training inning for the Rays which was not enough to crack the club’s Opening Day roster.
As a Rule 5 pick, Vasil must make the White Sox Opening Day roster otherwise he will be offered back to the Mets. The White Sox have already suffered a litany of arm injuries this spring, so it’s not surprising they took a flier on a player like Vasil. However, the right-hander is fresh off a miserable season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 6.04 ERA in 134 innings for the Mets affiliate.
Some view Vasil as a starting pitcher, but with the White Sox five-man rotation already featuring fellow Sean Burke, Martin Perez, Davis Martin, Jonathan Cannon or Bryse Wilson, and Rule 5 pick Shane Smith, Vasil is likely viewed as an innings eater out of the bullpen.
