Lucas Giolito injury update: When will Sox starter return from IL?

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa revealed that starting pitcher Lucas Giolito will be hitting the injured list.

The Chicago White Sox did not have the greatest first game of the season. Not only did they lose 5-4 to the Detroit Tigers in walk-off fashion, but starting pitcher Lucas Giolito exited after four innings due to tightness in his left side. Considering this, White Sox fans dreaded that he would be placed onto the injured list.

On Saturday, White Sox manager Tony La Russa revealed that Giolito will be placed on the injured list due to an abdominal injury. As for how much time the right-hander will miss, La Russa said he expects him to miss his next two starts.

White Sox: Lucas Giolito placed on injured list

This is certainly not the news that White Sox fans wanted to hear heading into Saturday afternoon’s game, especially with Lancy Lynn already on the injured list. However, they probably prepared for it, considering La Russa expressed “concern” immediately after Friday’s contest.

Prior to his exit, Giolito was having a good game, striking out batters and allowing just one hit through four innings.

Missing two starts will test the depth in the rotation that’s already tested with Lynn out, but it could have been worse with a longer time spent on the IL. All in all, it’s kind of a relief it’s just a 10-day stint.

Giolito pitched in 31 games last season, posting a 3.53 ERA, a 1.103 WHIP, an 11-9 win-loss record, 201 strikeouts and 52 walks over 178.2 innings.

The White Sox had a 4-3 lead in the ninth, but closer Liam Hendriks surrendered a solo home run to Eric Haase and a game-winning single by Javier Baez that was awarded after an official review.

Given this latest update, the White Sox will have to go without their ace for a bit.