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Red Sox ace not on playoff roster

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 4:48 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have received some unfortunate injury news ahead of their AL Wild Card playoff series against the New York Yankees.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters on Monday that starting pitcher Lucas Giolito will not be on the roster for the Wild Card round.

“Hopefully it’s nothing major, but he won’t be ready for this one. We’ll go the first two games and then we’ll decide (who pitches in Game 3),” Cora said.

Wow. Lucas Giolito will miss the WC round with an elbow issue. Brutal. pic.twitter.com/kk0r4PN8G8
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) September 29, 2025

Giolito last pitched on Sept. 23 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-hander gave up three hits and an earned run in 4 2/3 innings of work. The Red Sox won the game 4-1.

Giolito was a key member of Boston’s starting rotation all season. He made 26 starts and went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA. He had 121 strikeouts and 56 walks in 145 innings pitched.

The injury is concerning given Giolito’s history. The 31-year-old signed with the Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season and then missed the entire year after undergoing elbow surgery.

The Yankees finished ahead of the Red Sox in the AL playoff standings and will host all three Wild Card games as a result. If Boston is able to advance, Giolito’s injury will be a major storyline to keep an eye on.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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