Lucas Giolito To Miss Wild Card Series With Elbow Issue

[Nick John]

The playoffs haven't even started yet, but the Red Sox were dealt a tough blow Monday afternoon as manager Alex Cora announced that starting pitcher Lucas Giolito would not be on the roster for the Wild Card series. 

Cora believes that the right-hander has been dealing with an elbow issue his past few starts according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier, but now it's gotten to the point where Giolito had to cut short his latest bullpen session. The right-hander is getting evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon, though any issue with the elbow is not good considering he had elbow surgery in 2024 that cost him the entire season.

The news is a big loss for the Red Sox, as Giolito was a constant presence in the rotation after returning from the injured list on April 30. In 26 starts, he would end up going 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA across 145 innings. He also struck out 121 batters in that span while opponents hit just .239 against him. 

While the official roster hasn't been announced just yet, it is likely a possible Game 3 would be started by either Kyle Harrison or Connelly Early. 

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[vegasbob]

I imagine the Sox now decline the 2026 option while wishing Giolito well in future endeavors.

I do wonder if a club's liability to a player injured  as a result of playing under contract is limited to covering the medical and rehab costs, but not to continuing the expiring contract.

[moonslav59]

We should have kept him under 140 IP.

[Kimmi]

21 hours ago, vegasbob said:

I imagine the Sox now decline the 2026 option while wishing Giolito well in future endeavors.

I do wonder if a club's liability to a player injured  as a result of playing under contract is limited to covering the medical and rehab costs, but not to continuing the expiring contract.

We don't know what the "elbow issue" is yet, but I'm guessing it's not good news, and Gioloto could likely need some more surgery.  If by chance it is a minor issue, I'd take a chance on picking up his option.

[moonslav59]

40 minutes ago, Kimmi said:

We don't know what the "elbow issue" is yet, but I'm guessing it's not good news, and Gioloto could likely need some more surgery.  If by chance it is a minor issue, I'd take a chance on picking up his option.

Apparently he had discomfort a while ago and kept pitching.

[mvp 78]

Will most likely miss all of October per Cora. 🎈