Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito was diagnosed with a low-grade left hamstring strain on Thursday, and will begin the season on the injured list, according to Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe. Giolito underwent an MRI to reveal the injury after he noticed a problem with his left hamstring after the first pitch of his first spring training start.
The 30-year-old veteran right-handed starter is returning from an internal brace procedure performed on March 12, 2024, to repair a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow.
Despite the diagnosis, Giolito is expected to continue throwing, although his next scheduled spring start is in doubt.
The Red Sox now have three starting pitchers starting the season on the injured list. Kutter Crawford continues to experience soreness in the patellar tendon of his right knee—a condition that affected him throughout 2024.
Brayan Bello is dealing with right shoulder inflammation and is expected to begin the season on the 15-day injured list. Manager Alex Cora anticipates Bello’s return in early to mid-April. He did throw a live batting practice yesterday without any setbacks.
Right-handers Richard Fitts, Quinn Priester, and Cooper Criswell are all considered interim candidates for the Red Sox rotation to start the year.
Another Red Sox Starter Heads to IL