White Sox will 'run it right up to the deadline' with final roster moves

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Those looking for more definitive, final answers on the Opening Day roster for the 2025 White Sox will have to wait one more day.

OK, maybe two or three. And definitely no more than four, with the regular season getting underway at Rate Field against the Angels on Thursday.

“There are some question marks with some of these guys with their health, so we’re going to run it right up to the deadline here,” manager Will Venable said prior to Sunday’s Cactus League contest against the D-backs at Camelback Ranch. “I talked to some guys today, apologizing for the lack of information and just confirmation on where they’re going.

“It puts a stress on everybody. This is part of it, and [we have to] work through it.”

Right-handed reliever Gus Varland was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte, infielder Brandon Drury was released and right-handed pitcher Mike Vasil was claimed off waivers from the Rays Sunday from the category marked "official moves." The Varland move was a bit of a surprise after he posted a 3.54 ERA in 19 games for the White Sox last season, although he had a 9.82 ERA with six walks over 7 1/3 innings covering seven appearances as part of Spring Training.

Drury, a non-roster invite on a Minor League deal, topped the team in RBIs (11) and was second in home runs over the past six weeks, but the White Sox had not committed a roster spot or a 40-man spot when he suffered a fractured left thumb during pregame work at first base Friday. The White Sox certainly were happy with Drury’s play, and Drury seemed equally satisfied with a healthy opportunity to return to the combined 54-homer form he showed over the 2022-23 seasons.

A chance exists for Drury and the White Sox to reunite, even with the 32-year-old now free to explore opportunities with other teams. Drury will be visiting Dr. Donald Sheridan in Scottsdale Monday to gain further information on the injury. As for Vasil, the 25-year-old was selected by Philadelphia from the Mets in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft and was traded the same day to the Rays in exchange for cash considerations.

Vasil has started in 73 of his 76 career Minor League outings, but after meeting the team in Chicago Wednesday, he will open out of the bullpen, according to general manager Chris Getz.

“He's been up to three innings in Spring Training,” Getz said of Vasil. “We can build off of that. He can provide bulk and there's some versatility in his arsenal. Adding someone to the bullpen, whether it be a Bryse Wilson, a Tyler Gilbert, these guys that not only can be effective on the shorter stints, but also give us more innings, whether it be in a starting role or the underbelly of a game, is going to be really helpful, certainly early on in the season.

“So 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 and perhaps worth the limitations that are put on Rule 5 picks. But we're excited to get around him.”

Shane Smith was the White Sox top pick in that same Rule 5 Draft, and the right-hander has made the team most likely as the White Sox fifth starter after a top-notch Cactus League showing. “Most likely” are the operative words, as Venable has yet to announce the rotation beyond Opening Day starter Sean Burke.

Injuries to veteran infielder Josh Rojas (hairline fracture in right big toe) and outfielder Mike Tauchman (right hamstring strain) probably will result in both starting on the injured list, but their absences shouldn’t extend too far into April. On a positive injury note, outfielder Austin Slater (oblique strain) is “in a really good spot,” per Getz, while Andrew Benintendi (non-displaced fracture on his right hand) played left field Sunday for the first time since suffering the injury on Feb. 27.

“My swing was not an issue, but catching was what hurt more,” Benintendi said. “So, yeah, it just feels good now. I guess we won’t know until a guy hits me a line drive. Before yesterday, it was like 17 at-bats in three days. Seems like a lot of swings the last few days. I feel like I’m swinging at strikes and the results aren’t necessarily there right now, but it feels good.

“Today is the last little hurdle in left field. Obviously I think if there was a time to have a broken bone, this was the time to do it. I feel pretty confident.”