Vasil throws for first time

Mike Vasil made 20 tosses from 45 feet on the left-field grass at Rate Field Friday.

“It felt great. Shout-out to Dr. Keith Meister.”

Teammates support Vasil

Sox players introduced him as 'Windy City Wizard, Mike Vasil' before he threw.

“It was cool to see all of them.”

Surgery timeline

Vasil tore his ulnar collateral ligament in March and had Tommy John surgery in April.

Vasil's recovery

Vasil hopes to throw rehab assignments by next spring and be activated in late May.

“I want to be better than ever. I know I will be.”

Vasil's role

Vasil was a 'Swiss Army knife' pitcher who went 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA last season.

Manager's praise

Manager Will Venable called Vasil's progress 'special' and 'proud' of his energy.

“It's really special when you think about what 'Vas' has put into this group.”

Vasil's mindset

Vasil said he was concerned about remembering how to throw but felt supported by teammates.

“I was in the shower, and I was slightly concerned about if I remembered how to throw a baseball.”

Rehab progress

Vasil will throw again Sunday and progress slowly to greater distances.

Sox' magic

Vasil became an online sensation for waving a Harry Potter 'wizard wand' and wearing a pointed hat.

Team's reaction

Vasil said the team's support made him emotional and motivated to return.

“Overall, to have the support of my teammates, too, it really made me emotional.”

Surgery impact

Tommy John surgery requires months of rehab before a pitcher can return to the field.

Vasil's goal

Vasil aims to be back on the mound by late May after his rehab process.

“I want to be better than ever. I know I will be.”