Red Sox Starter Lucas Giolito Faces Opening Day Uncertainty Due to Elbow Discomfort
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox have been dealt a significant setback with the news that right-handed starter Lucas Giolito is likely to miss opening day and potentially longer due to discomfort in his elbow.
Manager Alex Cora confirmed the injury on Tuesday, stating that Giolito will undergo further examinations to determine the severity of the issue. “We’re obviously concerned. Not a good day for us,” Cora told reporters.
Giolito, who signed a $38.5 million, two-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason, has made two starts in spring training. While he pitched two scoreless innings in his first outing, he struggled in his second start against Minnesota last Friday, allowing four runs and three walks in 2 1/3 innings. It was after that outing that Giolito reported the discomfort in his elbow.
The injury is a major blow to the Red Sox, who were counting on Giolito to be a key part of their rotation. The 29-year-old was the first overall pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2012 draft and has established himself as a solid starter in the majors.
In 2023, Giolito pitched for the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians, posting a 4.88 ERA and allowing a league-high 41 home runs. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and averaging 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings from 2019-21.
The Red Sox were hoping to see that version of Giolito when they signed him this winter. However, the elbow discomfort has cast a shadow over his availability for the start of the season. The team will await the results of further examinations before determining the extent of the injury and Giolito’s timeline for return.
