Red Sox

The 29-year-old pitcher did not need Tommy John surgery, according to multiple reports.

Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito had a successful surgery to repair damage in his right elbow’s ulnar collateral ligament, the team announced Wednesday morning.

Because the procedure was successful, Giolito will avoid having Tommy John surgery. It’s still unlikely that he will pitch this season, but a normal recovery from the procedure would allow him to have a full offseason and full availability in 2025, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

The Red Sox signed the 29-year-old starting pitcher to a two-year, $38.5 million deal with a third-year player option for an additional $19 million during the offseason. He has yet to throw a pitch for Boston.

Red Sox announce that Giolito had an internal brace procedure as an ulnar collateral ligament “repair” — rather than a reconstruction (full Tommy John). Normal recovery from that procedure would mean a pretty full offseason and full availability for 2025.

— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) March 13, 2024

Giolito split his 2023 season between three teams: the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians. He went 8-15 with a 4.88 ERA last season.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound right-hander was an All-Star in 2019. He has a career record of 61-62 with a 4.43 ERA.

Giolio’s surgery was performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, the team announced. Dugas also performed the surgery on Trevor Story’s injured UCL last season.