Injury Bug Sidelines Kodai Senga and Lucas Giolito, IL Trend Impacts Starting Pitchers as Opening Day Nears

Opening Day is still 18 days away for most teams, yet they wish it was a little further away. While it’s common for injuries to happen during the Spring Training, this year has been particularly tough on starting pitchers. With players like Lucas Giolito and Kodai Senga falling to injuries, things are looking a little difficult currently for most of the franchises.

While pitchers getting injured are as predictable as the sunrise, it’s still ridiculous to witness it in real-time. With nearly every team seeing its pitchers falling to the injury bug, here’s a list of major players who are doubtful to make an appearance on the opening day.

Kodai Senga 

The struggling New York Mets pitching staff got a major shock when Senga’s right shoulder started giving him trouble. The ace was supposed to lead their rotation during this tough 2024, but the strain in his throwing shoulder threw wrenches on that plan. In February, Senga received a platelet-rich plasma injection to heal some of that strain. Later the Mets shut down his throwing for three weeks.

As of now, Senga is expected to miss the opening day. While the ace is training and strengthening his shoulders, the Mets aren’t taking any risks. Despite good progress, Senga will be out at least till April.

Lucas Giolito

When the Red Sox signed Lucas Giolito to a 2-year $38 million deal, it was considered being a steal for them. Getting a consistently high inning eater for that price could’ve been a giant win. However, things took a drastic turn when Giolito felt discomfort in his elbow. On his first medical visit, Giolito was suggested to go in for surgery. Now he’s looking for a second opinion.

In case of surgery, Giolito will end up missing this entire season. Giolito’s absence could prove to be a huge hit for the quality pitching short-staffed Red Sox. Still, one awaits the crucial second opinion.

Read more: New York Mets’ Star Closer Sees Recovery Progress, 2024 Return Nears Following Devastating Injury

The rest of the injured starting pitchers

Sonny Gray

The St. Louis Cardinals’ $74 million addition Sonny Gray fell to a hamstring strain. While the Cards were happy with the fact that it was just a “mild” injury, hopes of him starting on opening day are slim. At 34, pushing Gray’s physical health too much could prove to be counterproductive. That’s why the Redbirds are looking to enter the Dodger Stadium on March 28 without their star pitcher.

Jameson Taillon

Chicago Cubs‘ starting pitcher is the most recent one to fall victim to the injury bug. During the Spring Training game between the Cubs and the Colorado Rockies, Jameson Taillon had to be scratched due to a lower back issue. More details are awaited regarding his back, but as of now, Taillon is expected to miss the opening day.

Read more: Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga Leading List of Injured Pitchers, Yet Teams Slow-Playing Free Agent Market

These are a few of the many that are set to miss the opening day. With teams already struggling with injuries, one wonders how will the regular season unfold for them.