2 min read • April 09, 2022
Posted in
White Sox opening day starter Lucas Giolito is heading for a 10-day IL stint after exiting his first start of the season.
The 27-year-old righty pitched four complete innings against the Tigers, but was replaced to start the fifth inning after he reportedly felt tightness on the left side of his abdomen.
Manager Tony La Russa said Saturday that Giolito suffered a lower abdominal strain and will “definitely” require a trip to the 10-day IL.
The optimistic view would have Giolito missing only his next two starts, but muscle strains can linger in pitchers. The last thing the White Sox want is for Giolito to come back at less than 100% and alter his pitching mechanics.
The good news for Giolito is he seems to have avoided the dreaded oblique strain.
Months ago, the ProBaseballDocs pointed out that a delayed spring training could lead to an increase in soft tissue injuries to start the season.
With lockout negotiations lasting until early March, players got just four weeks of spring training to ramp up. Typically, six weeks is the ideal ramp up period.
The White Sox are also without starter Lance Lynn, who will miss roughly two months with a torn right knee tendon, and third baseman Yoan Moncada, who is already on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.
Key bullpen piece Garrett Crochet is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and Joe Kelly is on the 10-day IL with a biceps injury.
Vince Velasquez will take Giolito's spot in the rotation and will start Chicago's home opener against the Mariners on Tuesday, according to La Russa.
Written by
