When the Boston Red Sox signed right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito last season, it was to strengthen their starting rotation. However, an elbow injury requiring surgery ended his season before it truly began. This spring, Giolito suffered a hamstring injury during training camp, landing him on the injured list to start the year. Now, he is finally set to make his long-awaited Red Sox debut on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
“It felt like a piece of myself was missing for a while last year, watching our games; this year, watching our games,” Giolito said Tuesday before the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays 10–2. “I signed with this team for a reason. I wanted to contribute the best way I know how, which is to take the ball and be available to throw 100 pitches or more every start.”
It has been a long road back for Giolito, who last pitched on October 1, 2023, as a member of the Cleveland Guardians.
Lucas Giolito Looks to Put the Pieces Together Against Blue Jays
Giolito cleared his final hurdle on Friday during a rehab start for Triple-A Worcester. He struck out four batters over four and two-thirds innings against the Syracuse Mets, allowing three runs on three hits and six walks. In his previous three rehab outings, Giolito had not gone beyond three innings. On Friday, he threw 85 pitches, but only 47 were strikes. The six walks, one shy of his career high in the majors—stemmed in part from inconsistent fastball command. He landed only 11 of his 30 four-seamers in the strike zone.
Across five rehab starts, the 30-year-old has allowed 10 earned runs on 18 hits in 17 and one-third innings. He has walked 13 batters and recorded 17 strikeouts.
Final line for rehabbing Red Sox RHP Lucas Giolito: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 4 K. 85p/47s. First few innings were a struggle, but retired six straight to end outing. FB 91-95, avg. 92.4. CH best pitch by far. Feel for SL improved as game went on. 8 whiffs: 3 SL, 3 CH, 2 FB. pic.twitter.com/Qx7AwGg5P0
— Ian Cundall (@IanCundall) April 25, 2025
Giolito’s Return Is the Final Wave of Roster Reinforcements
The Red Sox aren’t in a situation like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have 13 pitchers on the IL. However, Giolito’s return is the final player in the team’s reinforcements. It started with Liam Hendriks, who made his season debut on April 20 after missing two years due to Tommy John surgery. Then, Brayan Bello returned, who allowed one run across five innings in his season debut on April 22.
Boston’s starters have been able to tread lightly so far this season (their 3.97 ERA is 14th in the majors). However, this will be a more formidable group going forward thanks to the presence of Bello and Giolito.
Main Photo: © WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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