The Boston Red Sox’s major offseason addition to their starting pitching staff could potentially be sidelined for the entire 2024 campaign.

Reports from ESPN indicate that Lucas Giolito, whom the Red Sox signed this past winter, is dealing with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament as well as a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. These injuries may force the right-hander to miss the entirety of the upcoming season.

Giolito, who inked a two-year, $38.5 million deal with the Red Sox during the offseason, may require surgery to address the torn ligament in his elbow.

We’re obviously concerned,” Red sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Tuesday morning. “Not a good day for us.”

The 29-year-old Giolito’s injury is likely to fuel rumors and discussions about whether the Red Sox will pursue signing a free agent starting pitcher like Jordan Montgomery, with whom the team has reportedly met recently.

As it currently stands, Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford are projected to be in Boston’s starting rotation, while pitchers such as Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck were vying for the fifth starter role prior to news of Giolito’s ailment.

During the three-year stretch from 2019 through 2021, Giolito established himself as an elite hurler in the American League while pitching for the Chicago White Sox. Over that span, spanning 427⅔ innings, he posted an impressive 3.47 ERA, racked up 526 strikeouts, and maintained an excellent 1.08 WHIP, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier pitchers.

However, Giolito endured a disappointing 2022 campaign, his performance dipping as he recorded an elevated 4.90 ERA. His struggles continued into the 2023 season, where he managed a 3.79 ERA through his first 21 starts with the White Sox before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels midway through the year.

Following the trade to the Angels, Giolito’s woes persisted as he pitched to an unsightly 6.89 ERA across six starts with his new club. This poor performance ultimately led to the Angels cutting ties with the right-hander, placing him on waivers, where he was subsequently claimed by the Cleveland Guardians.

What Does The Red Sox Pitching Look Like Today?

The Red Sox were expected to have Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford slotted into their starting rotation, while pitchers like Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck found themselves vying for the fifth and final spot in the team’s starting five. However, with Giolito’s status now uncertain, Boston’s pitching plans may undergo some reshuffling.

Projected rotation less Giolito

1. RHP Brayan Bello
2. RHP Nick Pivetta
3. RHP Tanner Houck
4. RHP Kutter Crawford
5. ???

Look for Chris Murphy and/or Brandon Walter to get the nod/s, if they want to add a lefty to the mix.

Projected bullpen

• Closer: RHP Kenley Jansen
• Setup: RHP Chris Martin, RHP Garrett Whitlock, RHP Josh Winckowski
• Middle: LHP Brennan Bernardino, Isaiah Campbell, LHP Joely Rodríguez
• Long: RHP Justin Slaten

It’s worth noting that Liam Hendriks remains part of the Red Sox’s pitching staff, although his availability for the upcoming season is uncertain as he continues recovering from Tommy John surgery undergone in early August.

While Hendriks’ return to game action this year is not guaranteed, should he regain his form late in the campaign with the Red Sox still in contention, his presence could potentially provide a significant boost as an X-factor in their push for for the postseason.

“Everybody knows what we need. You know what we need. They know what we need,” Devers said through an interpreter at the team’s spring training complex.

“There is some things I can’t say out loud, but everybody in this organization knows what we need.”

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By Vincent Quezada

Photos Courtesy of Barry Chin/ Globe Staff & Sports Illustrated