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– The White Sox will have not one but two Rule 5 draft picks on the Opening Day roster after they claimed right-hander Mike Vasil off waivers from the Rays Sunday.
Vasil, who is 17-18 with a 4.90 ERA in 76 outings — 73 starts — over four career minor-league season, joins right-hander Shane Smith, who the Sox selected first in the Rule 5 draft in December. Vasil, who will join the team in Chicago after it leaves Arizona Monday, will work out of the bullpen, at least for now.
Vasil , 25,was picked by the Phillies from the Mets in the Rule 5 in December, then traded the same day to the Rays in exchange for cash considerations. At Triple-A Syracuse last season, he posted a 6.04 ERA over 29 appearances (27 starts).
“The upside that he can bring long-term based on his ability to be a starter in the future,” general manager Chris Getz said, “but also has stuff that kind of aligns with our kind of pitching process that we feel like we can help maximize. To have two Rule 5 picks on a roster is a bit unique, but considering our situation right now where we are as an organization, we felt like this is worth the effort.”
Rule 5 picks must stay on the roster the entire season, barring injury, or be offered back. The Sox’ need for depth on the major league roster and organizationally was heightened with multiple pitchers going down with arm injuries this spring.
