The Boston Red Sox are facing a challenging start to their postseason without the services of Lucas Giolito, one of their pivotal pitchers. Giolito has been sidelined due to an elbow injury, as confirmed by manager Alex Cora at Yankee Stadium. As a result, Giolito will miss the Wild Card Series, where he was a prime candidate to start a potential Game 3.
Giolito, who had a commendable regular season with a 3.41 ERA over 26 starts for Boston, had shown signs of trouble in September. His performance was marked by an increase in walks and a noticeable decrease in his fastball velocity. In his last outing, Giolito’s fastball averaged 92.1 mph, a drop from his usual 93.3 mph. Soreness in his elbow had him missing his last start on Sunday, despite the Red Sox having already secured a playoff position.
Currently, Giolito is in Alabama consulting with Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, the orthopedic surgeon responsible for a previous procedure that had kept him out for the entire 2024 season. The results of this consultation will shed light on the severity of his current condition.
In Giolito’s absence, the Red Sox are turning to Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello for Games 1 and 2, respectively, of the Wild Card Series. The team has yet to decide on a starter for Game 3, with young left-handers Connelly Early and Kyle Harrison being considered. Their decision will depend on how the first two games unfold.
The Red Sox’s pitching situation has been further complicated by injuries to multiple players, including Dustin May, who is out with an elbow issue, and Richard Fitts, along with Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Hunter Dobbins, and Patrick Sandoval, who are unavailable for the season.
Giolito’s injury comes at a crucial time as he approaches free agency. Having met the 140-inning requirement this season, he activated a $19 million mutual option that will likely be declined, positioning him for the free agency market. However, concerns about recurring elbow problems could affect his appeal to potential teams.
Despite the setbacks, the Red Sox remain focused as they head into the postseason. With a mix of promising young talent and experienced players, they aim to navigate these challenges and progress further into the playoffs. Cora emphasizes the team’s adaptability and readiness to make strategic decisions as the series develops.