Lucas Giolito discussed ‘awesome’ crowd support after first spring training start
Giolito also talked about how analytics have helped him refine how he throws his slider.
Lucas Giolito’s comments about his first start: Newly-signed Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito made his 2024 Grapefruit League debut on Sunday, tossing two scoreless innings in a split-squad game against the Twins.
Following Boston’s 8-6 win, Giolito — who allowed no hits, one walk, and recorded one strikeout — gave some insight into one of the major updates he’s made to his pitch usage.
As the 29-year-old explained, the Red Sox have played an important role in the updated (harder) slider he’s been working on.
“Little adjustment with the slider,” Giolito told reporters. “Coming into camp, the whole pitching team, they were showing me some data about it, how it was getting a little bit too slow, a little bit too curveball-ish.
“So we switched up the grip,” he added. “About a week ago, I started working on that, and I was pleased with how it was coming out. Still continuing to hone that in, but throwing the slider in like the mid-to-high 80s I think is a better move for me.”
Giolito was a 2019 All-Star, and had a combined 3.47 ERA between 2019 and 2021. He struggled in 2023, however, compiling a 4.88 ERA (allowing 41 home runs) while pitching for three different teams.
The Red Sox, in need of pitching, signed him to a two-year deal in December reportedly worth $38.5 million.
Having played for the Nationals, White Sox, Angels, and Guardians in his career, Giolito also noted his impression of Red Sox fan support.
“It felt amazing,” he said. “Sitting in the dugout, the crowd was awesome. I’m not used to Spring Training crowds like that. So I definitely had a little bit of jitters getting back in game action, but I felt good overall.”
Scores and schedules:
On Sunday, PWHL Boston defeated Minnesota 2-0.
Tonight, the Bruins play the Kraken in Seattle at 10 p.m.
Tomorrow, the Celtics host the 76ers at 7:30 p.m.
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Some Larry Bird stories: Brian Shaw recalled a few of his memorable experiences playing alongside the Celtics legend.
On this day: In 2012, bowler Pete Webber won his fifth U.S. Open title with a strike on the final frame. He celebrated by emphatically uttering a memorable (if somewhat confusing) line, “Who do you think you are? I am!”
It went viral and became an iconic sports soundbite. Webber later explained that the unorthodox line was prompted by a heckler in the crowd that he was responding to in his moment of triumph.
Daily highlight: Ohio State’s Dale Bonner hit a tough three at the buzzer to defeat Michigan State on Sunday, 60-57.
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