URGENT UPDATE: Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will miss the entire postseason due to an elbow injury, as confirmed by manager Alex Cora on Tuesday. Giolito, who had already been sidelined for the Red Sox’s crucial wild-card series against the New York Yankees, received news from a doctor in Alabama earlier today.
While tests indicated no structural damage and surgery is off the table, Cora described Giolito’s chances of returning to the mound in 2025 as “slim.” This is a significant blow for the Red Sox, who were counting on Giolito to start Game 3 of the wild-card series, if necessary.
“We’ll rule him out probably,” Cora stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early, who made his Major League debut on September 9, is set to step in. Early has shown promise with a 2.33 ERA in 19.1 innings over four starts but has yet to complete more than 5.1 innings in a game.
Giolito’s absence is particularly impactful as he had successfully bounced back in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He finished the season with a commendable 3.41 ERA across 145 innings over 26 starts. Achieving 140 innings also triggered a conversion of his $14 million club option for 2026 into a $19 million mutual option.
“I think from a personal standpoint, that’s good news for him, right? Kind of hard to have surgery going into the offseason, all of that. Hopefully, that’s right,” said Cora.
As the Red Sox navigate this unexpected challenge, they will rely on left-hander Garrett Crochet to start Game 1 on Tuesday, followed by right-hander Brayan Bello in Game 2 on Wednesday. The Yankees will counter with left-hander Max Fried in Game 1 and left-hander Carlos Rodon in Game 2, with rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler slated for Game 3 if necessary.
This developing situation is crucial for Red Sox fans and players alike as they face a formidable Yankees lineup in the postseason. The stakes have never been higher, and with Giolito out, all eyes will be on Early to deliver in this high-pressure environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as the wild-card series unfolds, and watch how the Red Sox adapt to this critical loss.
