Red socks pair Lucas Giolito Elbow issues are being dealt with and not included in the Boston roster on the Wildcard Series Showdown by Tarival Yankees. Alex Cora Tell reporters at today’s media conference (link via Christopher Smith from Masslive.com). Cora did not provide a specific diagnosis or hand tip to him about whether Giolito could be used in the subsequent round if the Red Sox progressed. Giolito will be the Boston starter for a potential third game in the series. Masslive’s Sean McAdam added that he will see an expert today.
Giolito, 31, missed the entire 2024 season due to UCL surgery, but shot 145 frames of 3.41 ERA balls in 2025 with a booming return. The season started a very bad start, and this number is a bit exaggerated. Starting June 10, he scored 19 starts with a 2.51 ERA. Giolito’s 3-point shooting rate of 19.7% and a 9.1% walk rate helps to make a more gentle assessment from metrics like FIP (4.17) and Siera (4.66), but his bottom line results are obviously strong, even if their sustainability deserves some doubt.
After entering 140 innings this season, Giolito triggered the attribution clause in his 14mm club option, converting it into a 19mm co-option. When he reaches this threshold, it seems certain that the right-hander will reject his shared choice and re-enter the market. Suddenly, his elbow health shrouded the decision. If the problem is serious, the Red Sox will certainly reject their finishing point, sending Jolito to free agent anyway, but he will return to the open market in a very different situation than what might have been possible a week ago.
Giolito did experience some slowdown in September. His heaters averaged 93.4 mph in the first five months of the season, and he averaged four receivers in his last five appearances (including a season-low 92.1 mph) in his final debut. He still posted a 3.16 ERA in 25 2/3 innings during these outings, but he also made 18 walks. At first glance, it could have been fatigued for a pitcher who hasn’t thrown an inning in 24 years but headed to 150 frames in stretching, but now the news of a possible elbow injury makes the later slip even more worrying.
The Red Sox figures are more information about Giolito’s identity after meeting with the expert later this week and discussing any discoveries with Team Brass. This will determine his usability (or lack) to look at the potential in the ALDS, ALCS, or World Series, depending on how Boston progresses in the playoffs. For the series at hand, Giolito’s elbow trouble could spur teams promising young left wings, e.g. Connolly morning or Kyle Harrisonenter the third game. Top prospects Payton Tolle He was handed over to the bullpen in early September since September 29, pitching no more than three innings on the outing, so it is unlikely that he nodded.
