Lucas Giolito leaves White Sox Opening Day with concerning injury

On Opening Day, all injuries are concerning, especially considering the White Sox rotation is already down a man in Lance Lynn. Now, Lucas Giolito is hurt, too.

Chicago ace Lucas Giolito left the team’s Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers with abdominal tightness, per the team. He’ll undergo further testing and receive an update in the coming days.

The South Siders, expected to win the AL Central this year and perhaps more, were already dealt a few pitching blows before Opening Day. You can add Giolito to that list, depending on the results of his tests.

Lucas Giolito injury: How long will White Sox pitcher be out?

Giolito’s injury could be a devastating blow for the White Sox, should he miss significant time. He went 11-9 with a 3.59 ERA last season, and stepped in as the unquestioned leader of the White Sox pitching staff to start the season, especially with Lynn out for a few months.

The White Sox already signed Johnny Cueto, who will likely be inserted into the rotation when ready, once Lynn went down with an injury. Replacing Giolito at the top of the rotation would be legitimately impossible.

We’ll have an update on Giolito’s injury status when it’s made available.