# Sox pitcher Mike Vasil throws for first time since Tommy John surgery

> Mike Vasil throws for first time since Tommy John surgery after teammates' support
- Title: Sox pitcher Mike Vasil throws for first time since Tommy John…
- Summary: Mike Vasil throws for first time since Tommy John surgery after teammates' support Vasil made 20 tosses from 45 feet on his first throwing attempt since…
- Keywords: mike vasil, white sox, tommy john surgery, rate field, sox, mlb, rehab, pitcher, cubs, tigers, seahawks, nfl
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/09/18/sox-pitcher-mike-vasil-throws-for-first-time-since-tommy-john-surgery
- Published: 2026-09-19T00:55:47.241+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike vasil, white sox, tommy john surgery, rate field, sox, mlb, rehab, pitcher, cubs, tigers, seahawks, nfl
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Vasil made 20 tosses from 45 feet on his first throwing attempt since surgery