Boston Red Sox' Hurler Opts For Surgery, Seemingly Ending His Season

After seeking a second opinion, Boston Red Sox' starting pitcher Lucas Giolito is opting for elbow surgery, which will effectively end his season.

After seeking a second opinion, Boston Red Sox' starting pitcher Lucas Giolito is opting for elbow surgery, which will effectively end his season before it ever starts.

Per Sean McAdam of MassLIVE:

Lucas Giolito will undergo surgery on his right elbow Tuesday afternoon. Extent of ligament damage unknown for now - could require brace procedure or full Tommy John.

The words "season-ending" are not in that social media post from McAdam, but any surgical procedure would essentially render him unavailable for the year. Given the timing the injury, he also figures to be unavailable at the start of next season.

Giolito's injury is a cruel gut punch to a Red Sox' rotation that was already depleted with talent. He was signed to a two-year deal this offseason in part because of his stability, and now he will likely opt-in to a nearly $20 million deal next season as well.

In his absence this year, the Sox will likely use Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock in the starting rotation. There's a chance that Josh Wincowski could win a job, or Cooper Criswell, as well.

Giolito was an All-Star back in the 2019 season. Lifetime, he's 61-62 with a 4.43 ERA. He has played with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians.

The Red Sox will open up the season on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Boston finished last in the American League East last season and is projected to finish there again next year.

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