Pair of pitchers set to make first MLB starts since 2023

It's setting up to be a banner week for MLB starting pitchers returning from lengthy injury absences. 

Right-handers Lucas Giolito and Tony Gonsolin of the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively, are set to make their first starts since 2023 on Wednesday. 

Giolito missed all of last season and part of this season with elbow and hamstring injuries, while Gonsolin missed 2024 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. 

Both pitchers' expected returns arrive at a great time for their respective teams. For the Red Sox, Giolito is poised to join a rotation that has largely struggled behind ace left-hander Garrett Crochet and his 1.95 ERA in 2025. Fortunately, Boston just got right-hander Brayan Bello back from injury, along with a healthy Walker Buehler, both of whom should improve their starting staff dramatically when coupled with Giolito's return. 

Giolito's last full season in the majors was rather pedestrian, though, as he struggled to a 4.88 ERA over 33 starts between the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels. He particularly struggled with the latter two clubs, which wound up being a result of arm (and later, hamstring) troubles.

The Red Sox hope that Giolito can recapture the form that saw him post an average ERA of 3.47 between 2019 and 2021 with the White Sox. 

As for the Dodgers, Tony Gonsolin's return appears well-timed, as fellow right-hander Tyler Glasnow left his most recent start with shoulder discomfort. That came just days after news of Los Angeles shutting down left-hander Blake Snell with similar shoulder malaise as the Dodgers' starting pitching depth dwindles once again.

If any club can overcome a rash of pitching injuries to be successful, though, it's the defending World Series Champions.

Gonsolin's last full season in 2023 saw him pitch to a 4.98 ERA over 20 starts before undergoing elbow surgery. Before that, the soon-to-be 31-year-old pitched his way to the 2022 All-Star Game with a 2.14 ERA over 22 starts for the Dodgers.