Red Sox starter headed for MRI with hamstring tightness

Lucas Giolito left Tuesdays start after one inning with left hamstring tightness.

Manager Alex Cora told the Boston beat that Giolito will head for an MRI on Wednesday ( relayed by Ian Browne of MLB.com).

The team doesnt seem overly concerned, but its a situation worth monitoring.

Cora confirmed this morning that Brayan Bello will begin the season on the injured list after shoulder soreness delayed his ramp-up.

Hell join Kutter Crawford , who has yet to pitch this spring because of right knee soreness that dates back to last April.

Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic writes that the timeline on Crawford remains uncertain.

Cora indicated that while Crawford is making incremental progress, he isnt close to even throwing a live batting practice session.

The Sox are slated for a season-opening top four of Garrett Crochet , Tanner Houck , Walker Buehler and Giolito.

Richard Fitts , Quinn Priester and Cooper Criswell are in the mix for the final rotation spot.

If Giolitos hamstring proves problematic, thatd likely press two of Fitts, Priester and Criswell into the starting five.

The Sox are also building up non-roster invitee Michael Fulmer as a potential starter.

Giolito is still looking to make his Red Sox debut.

He sustained a UCL tear in last years Spring Training and required internal brace surgery.

Hamstring tightness is obviously less concerning than if Giolito had experienced any kind of renewed elbow discomfort.

Still, the team wont know until the imaging comes back whether theres a risk of a season-opening IL stint.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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