GLENDALE, Ariz. – 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.
Vasil posted a 5.91 ERA in 10 2/3 innings this spring, closing out with three scoreless innings against the Mets.
Other moves
The Sox released infielder Brandon Drury and optioned reliever Gus Varland to Triple-A Charlotte and transferred right-hander Prelander Berroa (Tommy John surgery) to the 60-day IL to make room for Vasil on the 40-man roster.
Garland owned a 3.54 ERA in 19 relief appearances last season. He gave up eight runs on 10 hits and six walks in 7 1/3 innings this spring. He allowed two homers to the Mariners in his last inning Saturday.
The Sox have 39 players in camp, including 19 pitchers, 11 infielders and six outfielders.
Getz likes Chase
Chase Meidroth is getting regular starts at shortstop and seems headed to making his major league debut on Opening Day.
“He has shown very well,” said Getz, who acquired Meidroth with three other prospects from the Red Sox for Garrett Crochet in December. “I’ve been impressed. He’s got good feet. He gets off the ball really well. Clean exchange. He’s been making all the plays he should with a little bit more.”
While some view Meidroth best suited for second base, Getz, a former middle infielder, said Meidroth can clearly handle the position.
“That’s going to bode well for him moving forward and certainly the White Sox as well,” Getz said.
Benintendi in the outfield
Andrew Benintendi played left field for the first time since a hand fracture suffered Feb. 27.
Benintendi took 17 at-bats over the last three days in backfield games as he prepares for Opening Day. The most discomfort, he said, comes from catching balls.
Benintendi and Austin Slater (oblique), who played right field and sailed a throw home well above catcher Omar Narvaez, are good bets to be ready by Opening Day.
“I feel pretty confident,” Benintendi said.
Diamondbacks 8, Sox 4
The Sox (10-19-1) lost what amounted to a bullpen game using pitchers from minor league camp in Glendale while major league right-hander Jonathan Cannon pitched in a minor league game against the Reds in Goodyear.
Cannon, who allowed 22 hits in 11 1/3 bumpy Cactus League innings this spring, allowed two runs on five hits and one walk in five innings while striking out six batters. He threw 83 pitches (53 strikes).
*Miguel Vargas (.349) had two hits including his second homer and Luis Robert Jr. hit his third homer and struck out twice. Andrew Benintendi (.067), working his way back from a broken bone in his hand, was 0-for-3. Austin Slater, working back from an oblique strain, was 1-for-2 with a walk and stolen base. Travis Jankowski made a diving catch in left field.
*The Sox fly to Chicago after their Cactus League finale Monday.
On deck: Athletics at Sox, Monday, 2:05 p.m., Glendale, JP Sears vs. Davis Martin, CHSN.
-Daryl Van Schouwen