Lucas Giolito’s return to the Boston Red Sox is finally on the horizon, marking the end of a long and challenging road to recovery. After missing the entire 2024 season due to an elbow injury and undergoing a hamstring setback earlier this year, the veteran pitcher is set to make his highly anticipated debut for the Red Sox. Manager Alex Cora has confirmed that Giolito will rejoin the team for their upcoming road series against the Toronto Blue Jays, with his first start expected in **Game 2 on Wednesday** [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Long Road to Recovery
Giolito’s journey back to the mound has been anything but smooth. After signing a **two-year, $38.5 million contract** with Boston [B](https://nesn.com/2025/04/red-soxs-alex-cora-reveals-return-date-of-pitcher-lucas-giolito/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbmVzbi5jb21cLzIwMjVcLzA0XC9yZWQtc294cy1hbGV4LWNvcmEtcmV2ZWFscy1yZXR1cm4tZGF0ZS1vZi1waXRjaGVyLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG9cLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1), expectations were high for the former All-Star to bring stability to the Red Sox rotation. However, a **partial UCL tear** forced him to undergo an internal brace procedure, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 season [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Just as he was preparing for a comeback in 2025, a hamstring injury in March further delayed his return [B](https://nesn.com/2025/04/red-soxs-alex-cora-reveals-return-date-of-pitcher-lucas-giolito/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbmVzbi5jb21cLzIwMjVcLzA0XC9yZWQtc294cy1hbGV4LWNvcmEtcmV2ZWFscy1yZXR1cm4tZGF0ZS1vZi1waXRjaGVyLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG9cLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite these setbacks, Giolito has been working tirelessly to regain his form. His rehab outings in **Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester** have been less than stellar, posting a **5.19 ERA in five starts** while walking **13 batters in 17 1/3 innings** [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, the Red Sox remain confident in his ability to contribute at the major league level. “Obviously we saw the line, but he’s healthy and he’s ready,” Cora stated, emphasizing that the team is focused on his physical readiness rather than his rehab stats [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### What Giolito Brings to the Red Sox
At his best, Giolito has been a dominant force on the mound. During his tenure with the **Chicago White Sox**, he twice finished in the **top 10 for American League Cy Young voting** [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His career numbers include a **4.43 ERA and 1,077 strikeouts over eight seasons**, showcasing his ability to be a reliable starter [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, his recent struggles raise questions about whether he can return to his peak form.
Boston’s rotation has been dealing with injuries to key starters, including **Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford** [B](https://nesn.com/2025/04/red-soxs-alex-cora-reveals-return-date-of-pitcher-lucas-giolito/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbmVzbi5jb21cLzIwMjVcLzA0XC9yZWQtc294cy1hbGV4LWNvcmEtcmV2ZWFscy1yZXR1cm4tZGF0ZS1vZi1waXRjaGVyLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG9cLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While **Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts** have stepped up in their absence, Giolito’s return could provide much-needed depth and experience [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). If he can regain his rhythm, he has the potential to be a stabilizing presence for the Red Sox.
### Looking Ahead
Giolito’s first start back will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His performance against the Blue Jays will offer insight into whether he can reclaim his status as a top-tier pitcher. While his rehab numbers may not be promising, the Red Sox are betting on his experience and talent to shine through.
As Giolito prepares to take the mound, Boston will be hoping for the version of him that once dominated hitters in the American League. If he can deliver, his return could be a turning point for the Red Sox as they navigate the challenges of the season. reliable starter whether he can return [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, his recent struggles raise questions about to his peak form.
Boston’s rotation has been dealing with injuries to key starters, including **Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford** [B](https://nesn.com/2025/04/red-soxs-alex-cora-reveals-return-date-of-pitcher-lucas-giolito/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbmVzbi5jb21cLzIwMjVcLzA0XC9yZWQtc294cy1hbGV4LWNvcmEtcmV2ZWFscy1yZXR1cm4tZGF0ZS1vZi1waXRjaGVyLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG9cLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While **Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts** have stepped up in their absence, Giolito’s return could provide much-needed depth and experience [A](https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-cora-reveals-lucas-giolito-return-date?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI5cDNGOUN2eWZpQ1dGNVVhWWN5M3kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidWU3aVJiUG05TkhiSHZHbkFaWmRVIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2x1dGNocG9pbnRzLmNvbVwvbWxiXC9ib3N0b24tcmVkLXNveFwvcmVkLXNveC1uZXdzLWFsZXgtY29yYS1yZXZlYWxzLWx1Y2FzLWdpb2xpdG8tcmV0dXJuLWRhdGUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). If he can regain his rhythm, he has the potential to be a stabilizing presence for the Red Sox.
### Looking Ahead
Giolito’s first start back will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His performance against the Blue Jays will offer insight into whether he can reclaim his status as a top-tier pitcher. While his rehab numbers may not be promising, the Red Sox are betting on his experience and talent to shine through.
As Giolito prepares to take the mound, Boston will be hoping for the version of him that once dominated hitters in the American League. If he can deliver, his return could be a turning point for the Red Sox as they navigate the challenges of the season.
