As widely anticipated, Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is scheduled for surgery.
Boston manager Alex Cora confirmed on Monday, following his team’s spring training matchup against Pittsburgh, that Giolito will undergo a procedure on his right elbow the following day.
The full extent of Giolito’s injury remains unclear, but it’s undoubtedly concerning for the upcoming season. He faces the possibility of undergoing full Tommy John surgery, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2025 season, or opting for a brace procedure. While the latter option could potentially lead to an earlier return, it would still entail months of recovery before resuming throwing.
This unfortunate development suggests a lost season for Giolito, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan previously reported that the newly acquired pitcher has a partial tear in his UCL along with a strain of the flexor tendon. The Red Sox had received ominous signs last week when they announced Giolito’s shutdown due to the elbow issue.
Giolito, who recently joined the Red Sox on a two-year deal, was expected to be a dependable innings-eater for the team. In the previous season, he recorded 184 1/3 innings pitched while tallying 204 strikeouts. His contract reportedly includes a $19 million player option for 2025, which he is likely to exercise. However, if he undergoes Tommy John surgery, he may be sidelined for over a year, making the financial security of the option even more appealing.
