White Sox: Tony La Russa gives concerning update on Lucas Giolito

The Chicago White Sox had their season opener take a concerning turn when pitcher Lucas Giolito left the game with an abdominal injury.

The White Sox have to hold their breath over more injury concerns in 2022.

With Yoan Moncado and others already sidelined, Lucas Giolito had to leave his first start of the season after four innings because of abdominal tightness on his left side.

Manager Tony La Russa didn’t have a definitive evaluation of his injury but his concern is enough of a worry for fans in Chicago.

Lucas Giolito update: Tony La Russa has concern for White Sox pitcher

The White Sox will hope Giolito’s abdominal tightness wasn’t something serious. If he removed himself from action as a precaution then Chicago won’t have to worry about missing him for long. If not, then they’ll have to adjust to a bumpy start to 2022.

Giolito looked good in the four innings he pitched. He allowed just one hit and struck out six batters before stepping off the mound.

The bullpen didn’t exactly match the starter’s output. The Tigers erased the 3-0 advantage enjoyed by the White Sox with runs in the sixth and the eighth. Though Chicago pulled back ahead with an Andrew Vaughn home run in the top of the ninth, Liam Henriks couldn’t hold onto the lead. Eric Haase sent a solo shot into the stands before Javier Baez drove in the winning run on a play that required a replay reversal.

While Detroit got to celebrate a dramatic opening win, Chicago has to contend with concern over Giolito while looking forward to turning things around on Saturday.

Giolito was 11-9 last season with an ERA of 3.53 in 31 starts. The White Sox are expected to start Dylan Cease on Saturday.