White Sox Lose Ace Starter To "Random, Freak, Weird" Injury

With one ace already on the injured list, the Chicago White Sox have now lost the services of another one, placing Lucas Giolito on the IL with an abdominal injury. 

Tony La Russa said Giolito is definitely headed to the IL and missing two starts is the optimistic projection. Vince Velasquez will start the home opener

— James Fegan (@JRFegan) April 9, 2022

As noted by White Sox beat reporter James Fegan, Gioliti will miss at least two starts, though even that is considered an optimistic outlook. 

The White Sox right-hander said "From my understanding, it's a random, freak, weird thing, It doesn't happen to baseball players very often. ... I'm very optimistic this won't affect my season too much.''

He felt the discomfort in his left side during his season-opening start Friday night, and left the game with a 3-0 lead after four innings, surrendering only one hit while striking out six. After Giolito left, the Sox went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 5-4. 

The injury bug has hit the South Siders hard, already claiming their other ace, Lance Lynn, to knee surgery, reliever Garrett Crochet to season-ending elbow surgery, DH Yermin Mercedes to a broken wrist, and several others to hopefully shorter-term injuries, including relievers Joe Kelly and Ryan Burr, along with 3rd baseman Yoan Moncada.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports