The Boston Red Sox delivered a sliver of good news on Tuesday as we learned that starting pitcher Lucas Giolito underwent internal brace surgery instead of Tommy John.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive had the information on social media:
Red Sox say Lucas Giolito had underwent a successful right elbow ulnar collateral ligament repair with internal brace yesterday. So Tommy John surgery avoided.
While Giolito is still slated to miss the entirety of the season as a result of the surgery, this should allow him to be ready for Opening Day next year. Tommy John surgery would have kept him out until midseason of next year, potentially.
For comparison, Red Sox' shortstop Trevor Story had this procedure done in January of 2023. He was back playing for the Red Sox by August, seven months later. Even if you add on time for recovery because Giolito is a pitcher, he still has a great window to get ready for next year.
Giolito signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason worth $38 million. Year two of that deal was a player option, which Giolito is now sure to exercise.
In his absence this year, the Sox will likely use Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock in the starting rotation. There's a chance that Josh Wincowski could win a job, or Cooper Criswell, as well.
Giolito was an All-Star back in the 2019 season. Lifetime, he's 61-62 with a 4.43 ERA. He has played with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians.
The Red Sox will open up the season on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Boston finished last in the American League East last season and is projected to finish there again next year.
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