The Boston Red Sox have suffered a major blow to their starting rotation with the injury to Lucas Giolito. The veteran right-hander, who signed a two-year, $38.5 million contract with Boston before the 2024 season, was expected to be a key part of the team’s pitching staff. However, Giolito missed the entire 2024 campaign due to elbow surgery. Fans and management were hopeful for his return in 2025, but his recent injury during spring training has created serious concerns. Giolito exited his first spring start after just one inning, raising alarms about his ability to stay healthy.
This injury comes at a tough time for the Red Sox, as other members of their pitching staff are also facing setbacks. Brayan Bello, who was expected to be a significant contributor in the rotation, will start the season on the injured list due to a sore shoulder. Fortunately, his absence is not expected to be long-term, and he should return after missing only a few starts. Despite this, losing both Giolito and Bello at the start of the season puts additional pressure on the rest of the rotation.
To help manage their pitching depth, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander Matt Moore to a minor league deal. Moore, a veteran reliever and occasional starter, could provide much-needed innings if injuries continue to pile up. While not a long-term solution, Moore’s experience could help stabilize the staff in the early part of the season.
Boston’s upcoming spring training schedule includes several games that will give other pitchers a chance to step up. The Red Sox face the Minnesota Twins on March 12, the New York Mets on March 13, and a split-squad game against their own prospects on March 14. These matchups will allow the team to evaluate potential rotation options and bullpen depth.
With Giolito’s status uncertain, the Red Sox will need to rely on their depth and hope for a quick recovery. If he is unable to return soon, Boston may be forced to explore external options, such as trades or additional free-agent signings, to bolster their rotation. The Red Sox’s ability to compete in the 2025 season will depend heavily on how well they manage these early-season challenges. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can overcome these obstacles and remain competitive in the AL East.