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Lucas Giolito’s first season with the Red Sox may be over before it even begins.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Giolito has a partially torn UCL and a flexor strain that could require surgery and will potentially sideline the right-hander through the 2024 season and beyond.
Bad news: Early images show Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito has suffered a partially torn UCL and flexor strain and could miss the 2024 season, league sources told ESPN. Giolito, who signed a two-year contract with Boston, may need surgery to repair the damage to his right elbow.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 5, 2024
Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Tuesday that Giolito felt some discomfort in his elbow following his last start and the club was concerned. Cora said Giolito is doubtful for Opening Day and it’s unclear right now when he’ll be able to pitch.
This news was a devastating blow to the Red Sox, who were counting on Giolito to solidify their starting rotation. The 29-year-old, who signed a two-year, $38.5 million contract last offseason, has been among baseball’s most durable starters over the past six years and comes out of the 2023 season striking out in 33 starts. career-high 184.1 innings pitched.
Now the Red Sox will once again rely on the same group of young players who failed to pitch consistently in games last season. Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta were already locked into the rotation, and Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock and Josh Winckowski will compete for the remaining three spots.
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