KANSAS CITY, Mo. – White Sox manager Tony La Russa had already announced that Lucas Giolito would miss at least one start, but the team made it official Friday.
The White Sox placed Giolito on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Wednesday. In a corresponding move, they recalled right-hander Ryan Burr.
“Just don't want to pressure him to declare himself ready before he's really ready and err on the side of caution,” La Russa said before the White Sox’ series opener against the Royals. “… He's saying it's going to be one start, but we've just got to be really certain because if we rush him back and he gets hurt, that's the worst consequence.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
MORE: Giolito, Lynn missing starts may be ‘blessing in disguise’
Giolito strained his left hamstring during the White Sox’ 4-2 win against the Pirates on Tuesday. He left the game with one out in the fifth inning.
Friday was Giolito’s second straight day of playing catch. He also jogged in the outfield before the game.
“Yesterday felt pretty good with super light catch,” Giolito said Friday. “Yesterday I was protecting it a little bit. And then today I felt like I took a big step forward. I was able to put a lot on the ball. At the same time, not going crazy with leg drive, being a little relaxed in the legs, but I was able to let some go pretty good.
MLB
“Running was calculated, but that felt good as well. But at the same time, we have time on our side. I'm not out there trying to push it as hard as I can. Just letting the rest work, the PT work, all that, do its thing and keep progressing day by day."
Giolito (9-9, 3.69) is scheduled for a bullpen session at Oakland next Wednesday, according to La Russa.
The White Sox are taking a cautious approach with their rotation as a whole. Last month, Carlos Rodón spent a couple weeks on the IL with shoulder fatigue. Lance Lynn (right knee inflammation) is currently on the IL and expected to miss just one start.
“I think we just have our little build up here the last month,” Giolito said, “and then we’re all ready to go.”