Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced that pitcher Lucas Giolito will start the 2025 Major League Baseball season on the 15-day injured list. A hamstring tightness forced him to leave his Grapefruit League debut after one inning.
Sadly, an MRI revealed a low-grade strain that makes an Opening Day return unrealistic. However, he’s still working on his way back and they won’t stop him from pitching.
While Giolito signed a two-year, $38.5 million contract two seasons ago, he hasn’t thrown a regular season pitch for the Red Sox. He didn’t play last season due to a UCL tear on his right elbow that required surgery. Unfortunately, his hamstring injury would delay his return, which could happen indefinitely.
Giolito’s injury means that the Red Sox would have three starters on the IL. In addition to Giolito, Brayan Bello is out with a shoulder injury, while Kutter Crawford is down with a knee injury. That leaves the Red Sox with Walker Buehler, Garrett Crochet, and Tanner Houck leading the way from the mound.
-Lance Fernandez