"I find it funny when I see stuff online" - Lucas Giolito debunks speculation about missing Opening Day, confirms full recovery post-surgery

The Boston Red Sox have been one of the busiest teams in the offseason, strengthening the roster with hopes of making a postseason run next season in 2025.

While the Red Sox rotation will have new faces in Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler after their arrival in Boston during the offseason, the team will also welcome back All-Star Lucas Giolito in 2025.

Giolito's first season with the Red Sox didn't turn out as expected as the 30-year-old underwent surgery to repair his UCL after an elbow injury during Spring Training. While he is expected to return to the mound next year, Giolito quashed speculations around his return, confirming he'll return for Spring Training in 2025.

Giolito said on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast:

"I’m here. I’m in Fort Myers. Obviously, continuing the rehab progression which is, at this point, coming out of the rehab progression. Throwing off the mound soon. Me and Garrett (Whitlock). We’re on the same program. Yeah, I’m going to be ready for a full spring training and a full season.

"I find it funny when I see this stuff online saying that I will be coming back in June. I don’t know where that came from. I have no idea. I asked a lot of people. No one really knows. At this point, it’s like, ‘Alright, cool. That’s fine. Whatever people want to think.’ Everything is going great. I look forward to a full year."

Lucas Giolito is excited about Garrett Crochet reunion in Boston

While Lucas Giolito is looking forward to his return, he will have to fight for a spot on the starting rotation with the arrival of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.

However, Giolito is excited for a reunion with his former Chicago White Sox teammate, Crochet, who was traded to Boston this offseason.

"I didn't get to witness it first-hand except for when he pitched against us last year," Giolito said on the podcast. "But I'm looking forward to seeing his process, his work ethics. I've heard amazing things... That's what I'm most excited for. A guy who takes it seriously, works really hard."

Apart from Crochet and Buehler, Lucas Giolito will join Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford on the pitching staff. The All-Star pitcher is open to the idea of a six-man rotation for the 2025 season.