FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Boston Red Sox's hopes for a successful season took a major blow as right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito is dealing with discomfort in his right elbow, according to manager Alex Cora. This injury puts Giolito's availability for the start of the season on the injured list and raises concerns about his long-term absence from the team.

Giolito, who was signed as a key free agent in the offseason, had been expected to lead the team in innings and make a significant impact as one of the best comeback stories in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, the optimism surrounding his acquisition has turned into disappointment with the news of his elbow discomfort.

The 29-year-old pitcher expressed his disappointment, as he has always prided himself on staying healthy. Giolito stated that he hasn't dealt with a serious injury in a long time, making this setback particularly frustrating for him.

The Red Sox have already conducted an MRI, but they are still awaiting the results of additional tests conducted by their medical staff. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged that this injury appears to be real and cautioned against speculation until all the information is gathered.

Giolito first experienced discomfort during his recent Grapefruit League start against the Minnesota Twins on March 1. He struggled in that outing, giving up two hits, four runs, and three walks in just 2 1/3 innings. Cora mentioned that there will be an update on Giolito's condition by the end of the week.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that initial tests indicated a partially torn UCL and a flexor strain, which could potentially jeopardize Giolito's entire 2024 season. However, the Red Sox have not confirmed or denied this report, stating that they are still gathering information and it's possible that Giolito may seek a second opinion.

The loss of Giolito will undoubtedly impact the Red Sox's rotation, which already had significant question marks. His absence raises questions about whether the team will pursue external additions from the free-agent market or rely on their young pitchers to step up.

While the Red Sox are deliberating on the best course of action, Giolito expressed his frustration and desire to return to the mound. He had come into the season with high hopes of making a comeback and re-establishing himself as an elite starter.

The Red Sox will turn to pitchers like Nick Pivetta and their promising mid-20s core, including Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, and Josh Winckowski, to fill the void left by Giolito. Additionally, the team is also considering utilizing Cooper Criswell, a swingman signed during the offseason, to add depth to their pitching staff.

As the Red Sox await further updates and evaluate their options, the focus now shifts to finding the best path forward without Giolito. The team hopes to address this setback and maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming season.