URGENT UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox will be without right-hander Lucas Giolito for their crucial American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees. Manager Alex Cora confirmed this morning that Giolito is sidelined due to ongoing elbow issues, a significant blow to Boston’s pitching rotation.
This unexpected announcement comes just before Game 1 of the series, which kicks off tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN. Giolito, who was slated to start Game 3, has been battling discomfort in his elbow over the past few days. Cora stated, “He’s been battling with his elbow the last few days… Hopefully, it’s nothing major, but he won’t be ready for this series.”
Giolito’s absence is particularly impactful as he has had a strong season, boasting a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA and 121 strikeouts across 26 starts. The 31-year-old pitcher recently visited Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, an orthopedic surgeon at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Alabama, to evaluate his condition. Cora noted that Giolito’s velocity has declined, prompting him to cut his latest bullpen session short.
In light of Giolito’s injury, Cora highlighted that Kyle Harrison and Connelly Early are potential candidates to fill the void for Game 3, should it become necessary. Giolito’s experience as an All-Star in 2019 and his overall career record of 71-66 with a 4.30 ERA across nine seasons adds to the stakes for the Red Sox as they pursue postseason success.
The Red Sox are gearing up for a highly competitive playoff series, facing off against a formidable Yankees lineup. Fans are left to wonder how this injury will affect Boston’s chances in the playoffs, especially as the team aims to advance further in October.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Giolito’s condition and the Red Sox’s performance in this pivotal series. The stakes are high, and every game counts!
