White Sox’s Mike Vasil Set for Tommy John Surgery
Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. The announcement was made by the team on Tuesday.
Details Surrounding Vasil’s Injury
Vasil recently experienced elbow soreness during a Cactus League game. Afterward, he was sent for imaging, leading to the decision for surgery. This unfortunate news coincides grimly with Vasil’s upcoming 26th birthday.
Vasil’s Performance in 2025
The right-handed pitcher made his Major League debut with the White Sox in 2025. He quickly became a key part of the pitching staff, logging 101 innings of long relief across 47 games. These appearances included three starts. Vasil achieved a commendable 2.50 ERA over the season.
Despite his solid ERA, Vasil’s metrics revealed room for improvement. His strikeout rate stood at 19.4%, while his walk rate was higher at 12.3%. Advanced metrics like SIERA and FIP painted a less favorable picture, with scores of 4.58 and 4.32 respectively.
Future Implications for Vasil and the Team
Due to the surgery, Vasil will be placed on the injured list for the entire season. However, there is a silver lining: he will still earn a full year of Major League service time during his recovery. Having received a full year of service in 2025, Vasil will remain under the team’s control for at least four additional years after his return in 2027. He will also retain all minor league options.
Alternatives for the White Sox
In Vasil’s absence, the White Sox will need to adjust their bullpen strategy. Possible replacements for his long relief role include:
- Sean Newcomb
- Erick Fedde
- Chris Murphy
- Tyler Gilbert
Manager Will Venable recently stated that Newcomb will start the season in the bullpen, while Fedde seems to be in line for a rotation spot. Both Murphy and Gilbert have shown promising performances this spring and are potential long relief options that still have minor league options available.
