Red Sox Facing Decision After Alex Cora's Season-Ending Announcement

While Giolito was not expected to miss the AL wild card series, the team had been holding out hope for a potential return if the Red Sox advanced. While Giolito’s diagnosis on his elbow did not appear to be severe, manager Alex Cora announced that the team is no longer expecting his return this year.

“Cora said elbow injury doesn’t seem as severe for Lucas Giolito but he’s also not expected to pitch in October. Tough blow. Not definite but Cora says Connelly Early likely to start Gm 3,” wrote The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.

The Red Sox are now faced with a decision on not only the potential starter for a Game 3 against New York but also how they will deal with losing the third-best starting pitcher on the roster. As Cora previously mentioned, rookie Connelly Early will likely start a possible third game, but if Boston advances it will be a tough call to ask Early to pitch on short rest. The 23-year-old southpaw has only made four starts in his big-league career, yet he has impressed, posting a 2.33 ERA and striking out 29 hitters in just 19 1/3 innings of work.

The Red Sox most likely will lean on Kyle Harrison, acquired as a key piece in the Rafael Devers blockbuster deal earlier this season. Dustin May, although not on the wild card roster, could potentially start a game in a potential ALDS matchup as well.