The Boston Red Sox were dealt a setback on Monday with the news that veteran starter Lucas Giolito will miss the upcoming AL Wild Card series against the New York Yankees due to an elbow injury.
Giolito, who had been enjoying a strong comeback campaign after sitting out all of 2024 with a torn UCL, logged 145 innings across 26 starts this season. The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 10–4 record with a 3.41 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts, relying on his breaking pitches to generate weak contact as he solidified himself as one of Boston’s most dependable arms down the stretch.
Initially, the Red Sox hoped Giolito might return later in October if they advanced, but manager Alex Cora confirmed that his season is over despite the injury not being considered severe. “Elbow injury doesn’t seem as bad for Lucas Giolito, but he’s also not expected to pitch in October. Tough blow. Not definite but Cora says Connelly Early likely to start Game 3,” reported The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.
Giolito’s absence leaves Boston with difficult choices heading into the series. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early appears the favorite to start a potential Game 3 against New York. While the 23-year-old has shown promise—striking out 29 in 19 1/3 innings with a 2.33 ERA—he has just four career starts, and asking him to pitch on short rest in later rounds would be a gamble.
The Red Sox could also turn to Kyle Harrison, a key pickup from San Francisco in the Rafael Devers trade earlier this year, while Dustin May remains a possible option for an ALDS start if the club advances.
Boston will open the best-of-three Wild Card series against their archrival Yankees on Tuesday at 6:08 p.m. ET on ESPN.
