Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is set to undergo surgery on his right elbow this Tuesday, as confirmed by the team, potentially sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 season.
Giolito sought a second opinion in Alabama last week after experiencing discomfort in his elbow during a start on March 1.
According to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Giolito underwent tests revealing a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and a flexor strain. The forthcoming surgery on Tuesday may entail a brace procedure or possibly necessitate Tommy John surgery, depending on the severity of the UCL injury.
“We’re unsure of the extent at this point,” remarked Red Sox manager Alex Cora to MLB.com. “We know it involves the ligament. More details will emerge once the surgery is underway. The specific type of surgery is still undetermined.”
Giolito, 29, inked a two-year, $38.5 million contract with the Red Sox during the offseason. His 2023 season saw him tally a 4.88 ERA with 204 strikeouts across 184 1/3 innings and 33 starts, split among the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians.
Notably, Giolito previously underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2012, shortly after being selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals.