Camila Sosa
Despite having started the campaign on the right foot, the Chicago White Sox received bad news just two weeks into the big league season: Lucas Giolito and AJ Pollock will land on the injured list for the first time this season after both suffered physical setbacks significant enough to keep them sidelined for at least a week and a half.
How Long Will it Take for Lucas Giolito to Return?
For the Chicago ace, who had to leave his debut due to abdominal discomfort after four innings without a save, he was diagnosed with a sprain in the abdomen that forced him to miss at least his next two starts, but, hopefully, he will be back in the rotation as of April 20 if his physical condition allows it.
Giolito represents another important loss in the White Sox pitching staff, who already lost Lance Lynn (knee) in the rotation, and Garret Crotchet (Tommy John surgery) along with Joe Kelly (biceps) in the bullpen. His place will be taken by 27-year-old prospect Jimmy Lambert. The prognosis for his injury does not appear to be that serious, so his absence is not expected to take longer than what has been already stated.
On the other side of the coin, AJ Pollock suffered a more severe hamstring strain and while he may return from the injured list on April 20, it will surely take some extra time depending on his recovery. In their place could come Gavin Sheets as well as Andrew Vaughn and Adam Engel, all viable options for the team led by Tony La Russa.
It’s definitely a shame to see the 34-year-old veteran fall back to injury so quickly, especially after staying healthy for the vast majority of 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The White Sox sacrificed reliever Craig Kimbrel to get Pollock’s bat and glove in the outfield, which is necessary for how strong Chicago can be this season.
Lucas Giolito, on the other hand, is the Sox’ main starter, but his injury is much less of a concern than Pollock’s, and we may see the 27-year-old right-hander much more of a rush on the mound again. Chicago has a 4-1 record in the premature 2022 campaign, giving it one of the best starts in the American League Central division.
