Lucas Giolito may miss 2024 Red Sox season with an elbow injury

BOSTON -- Lucas Giolito was the big addition to the Red Sox rotation over the offseason. But the righty is now dealing with a "concerning" right elbow injury, one that could end up costing him the 2024 season.

"Not a good day for us," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters in Florida on Tuesday.

Giolito reported some discomfort in his elbow after his last spring outing, and according to ESPN, imaging revealed that the 29-year-old "likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain." The injury may end Giolito's 2024 season before it even begins, according to Jeff Passan.

"Extremely disappointing," Giolito said Tuesday. "I always pride myself on staying healthy and have done everything in my power to do so. I haven't dealt with a serious injury in a very long time, so it definitely sucks. A lot."

Not having Giolito for the season would be a big problem for the Red Sox. Boston gave him a two-year deal over the winter (with the second year a player option) to provide some stability in a rotation that grossly lacked consistently in 2023. Giolito has been durable throughout his career, making at least 29 starts while tossing 160 innings in five of the last six seasons. 

But the Red Sox may not see any of that in 2024. Alex Cora may have to roll with a rotation that consists of Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta, with the likes of Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock, and Josh Winckowski filling out the backend. 

The road ahead for Giolito won't be mapped out until he undergoes further testing and receives additional opinions on the injury. But season-ending surgery is on the table, which would be a huge blow to the 2024 Red Sox.