Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito dealt some brutal injury news
The biggest pitching addition of the off-season for the Boston Red Sox may end up missing his first season.
According to ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito “likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain and could miss the 2024 season.” That potentially torpedoes the biggest signing the team made so far for the coming campaign. Passan says Giolito may need surgery to repair his elbow damage.
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Giolito originally signed a three-year, $38.5 million contract with Boston. There will also be an option for a third year: a $14 million team option if Giolito pitches fewer than 140 innings in 2025, and a $19 million mutual option if he pitches 140-plus innings (via Spotrac).
![Sep 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2023/12/USATSI_21509357_168399896_lowres.jpg)
Sep 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox likely now need to replace Giolito in the starting rotation. They’re left with Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford. Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck should be considered candidates to start, as well.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox continue to be linked to free-agent starter Jordan Montgomery. He’s been living in the Boston area and there have been multiple recent reports that make a Montgomery signing in Boston sound inevitable.
It may be necessary, now. And probably even more expensive.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.