Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared on Monday, March 11, that right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito will undergo surgery to address his elbow discomfort. The decision followed a check-up with Andrews Sports Medicine’s Dr. Jeffrey Dugas.
The Red Sox shut down Giolito’s pitching after he felt some discomfort in his elbow.
Lucas Giolito is set to undergo elbow surgery Tuesday, via @PeteAbe pic.twitter.com/6QYVFEyspl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 11, 2024,
While it’s established that the 29-year-old pitcher will need surgery, the operation’s severity remains unknown. He might undergo another Tommy John surgery close to 12 years after his first one or an internal bracing operation to strengthen the ligament.
Regardless of the operation, the recovery period means that Giolito might miss the entire 2024 Major League Baseball season. The recovery period for internal bracing can last up to 12 months, but it’s more common for position players. Meanwhile, the recovery period for Tommy John surgery can be extended to 18 months.
Therefore, it’s not good news for Giolito, whom the Red Sox signed to a two-year, $38.5 million contract during the offseason. Durability has been one of the selling points for the pitcher, who has made 29 starts in each 162-game season since 2018. Last season, Boston’s rotation ranked 27th in innings pitched per start (4.2).
While Giolito could be out for the season, the Red Sox are comfortable with their current options to fill his spot. Brayan Bello, who the Red Sox gave a six-year, $55 million contract, and Nick Pivetta will be part of the starting pitcher’s rotation, joined by Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock.
-Lance Fernandez