Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will not participate in the American League wildcard series due to an elbow injury.
Giolito, who is 31 years old, was anticipated to pitch in the third game on Thursday, following Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello in the pitching lineup.
“It’s a significant loss,” Crochet mentioned. “He’s a strong pitcher and I believe he would have faced a tough lineup.”
Giolito had a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Centre.
Last March, Dugas performed surgery on Giolito’s right elbow, repairing the ulnar collateral ligament using an internal brace.
“He’s dealt with elbow issues recently. Today he visited Dr. Dugas,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Monday. “We hope it’s not serious, but he won’t be able to play this time.”
Left-handed pitchers Connery Early and Kyle Harrison are potential candidates to take the mound for Game 3.
The New York team opened with Max Fried and Carlos Rodon in the first two games and will feature rookie Cam Schiltler next.
Giolito’s fastball velocity has noticeably decreased, going from an average of 93.9 mph on August 26 to 92.1 mph during his final start in Toronto on September 23.
He began the season strong, holding a 3-0 record and a 2.39 ERA in early August, but his performance dipped to 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA by September 4.
“I think he was pushing through some discomfort. He planned to throw in bullpen practice that week, so we had to limit his workload,” Cora explained. “After last weekend, he didn’t seem to be in good shape, especially as of yesterday.”
Giolito started the season ranked 26th and posted a record of 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA.
Previously, he underwent Tommy John surgery performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum in September 2012.
The 2019 All-Star Giolito has maintained an ERA of 4.30 over his nine seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including Washington, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland, and Boston, with a career record of 71 wins and 66 losses.
