White Sox' Braden Montgomery left an impression in second spring training: 'He had an outstanding camp'

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Braden Montgomery proved he belonged this spring training.

With his production — he batted .348/.348/.652 — the Sox' top prospect showcased his talent that just needs some more sharpening.

"I thought he had an outstanding camp," manager Will Venable said of Montgomery. "We saw some of the defense, we saw the base running ... did a nice job at the plate. He continues to progress. He’s a young kid who is continuing to figure it out ... looks like he belongs amongst the big leaguers on the field."

On Sunday, the Sox reassigned catcher Josh Breaux and Montgomery to minor-league camp. The Sox have 48 players remaining in camp: 24 pitchers, four catchers, 10 infielders and outfielders.

Montgomery hasn't played above the Double-A level, and general manager Chris Getz had said he wasn't likely going to break camp with the team. But this isn't a setback for Montgomery. The Sox have shown a proclivity for calling up top prospects after they get a taste of Triple-A. The Sox want Montgomery to work on his left-handed swing and continue to work on his defense.

"[Montgomery] did a great job, specifically unlocking some pre-pitch movements that are going to help his first step," Venable said. "We asked him to play a bunch of different spots out there in the outfield, and I think he took to all of them really well. He’s aware of that. The great thing about him is, he’s just so hungry to be great, and he’s putting in all the right work.

Vasil update

Right-hander Mike Vasil exited Saturday's win in the fourth inning with right elbow soreness. He departed after pitching 3 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out three.

After joining the Sox right after spring training last season, when he was claimed off waivers from the Rays, He immediately made an impact in the locker room with his dry wit and personable demeanor. He also was thrust into a multitude of roles, ranging from closer to opener to a multi-inning reliever.

This year, Vasil entered spring training with some familiarity and certainty after posting a 2.50 ERA over 101 innings. Before the injury, he was in consideration for one of the two open rotation spots and had been pitching well.

But Vasil felt something with his elbow after walking Max Muncy in his last at-bat. Zach Franklin entered the game and got Alex Freeland out on strikes to end the inning.

"Anytime with an elbow, you just want to be precautionary, especially this time of year," Vasil said Sunday. "I think for me, if something’s not feeling right, you gotta speak up, gotta say something. [I] had them come out there and we just decided it was best not to push."

Vasil said he and the team were still reviewing tests and scans to determine the injury and its severity. His elbow felt progressively worse over the outing. It was a sour note for Vasil to likely end his spring training on.

Royals 10, White Sox 4

• Left-hander Hagen Smith threw two scoreless innings, striking out five and allowing one walk.

• Third baseman Miguel Vargas was 2-for-2 with two walks.

• Catcher Edgar Quero was 1-for-3 with an RBI.