Lucas Giolito: Everything you need to know

Giolito is expected to operate in a bulk-relief role Monday in St. Louis with right-hander Wandy Peralta serving as the Padres' opening pitcher in the series opener, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. Giolito has struggling since making his Padres debut May 17, posting a 4.35 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 14:18 K:BB over 20.2 innings covering five starts. As a result of Giolito's ongoing struggles, the club will take a new approach with his turn through the rotation and send Wandy Peralta to the bump to cover the first inning or two.

Giolito allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and five walks while striking out three over four innings in a no-decision versus the Reds on Tuesday. Giolito threw just 43 of 85 pitches for strikes, leading to a short outing. It was also his fielding error in the third inning that led to the Reds' second run. Giolito has fallen short of the five-inning mark in three straight starts after reaching it in his first two outings of the year. He's now at a 4.35 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 14:18 K:BB through 20.2 innings over five starts. Until the walk rate gets under control, he'll be a risky fantasy option. He's projected to make his next start on the road in St. Louis.

Giolito (2-1) took the loss Thursday against the Phillies, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out five. Giolito held the Phillies scoreless through his first three innings Thursday before giving up a run on a two-out single in the fourth. Giolito would then allow a home run and a double to the first two batters he faced in the fifth, forcing the Padres to turn to their bullpen. The 31-year-old Giolito has yet to pitch into the sixth inning through four starts this season, though he still picked up a pair of wins while covering exactly five frames in his first two outings. Overall, his ERA sits at 4.86 with a 1.74 WHIP and 11:13 K:BB over 16.2 innings. Giolito is tentatively lined up to face the Reds at home in his next outing.