Breaking News: Alex Cora explains why Lucas Giolito was “surprised” by the Red Sox’s decision to withdraw him after 4.2 innings on Friday, making announcement clearly that…..read more 👇👇

In a candid postgame press conference on Friday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the unexpected removal of starting pitcher Lucas Giolito after just 4.2 innings. Giolito appeared visibly surprised on the mound when the decision was made, prompting questions from reporters about the rationale behind the early exit.

Cora explained the reasoning behind the move, clarifying that it was a strategic decision based on both Giolito’s pitch count and the matchup considerations against the opposing lineup later in the game.

“Lucas was definitely caught off guard because he was feeling good and thought he could continue,” Cora said. “But we had to be mindful of his workload and the way the hitters were adjusting. We wanted to keep him healthy and set up the bullpen for success.”

The manager made it clear that the decision was not due to any injury concerns but rather a proactive approach to preserve Giolito’s effectiveness moving forward in the season.

“Ultimately, it’s about the long game. We trust Lucas and appreciate the way he competed, but protecting him now means he’ll be ready for bigger moments ahead,” Cora added.

Giolito’s performance on Friday was solid, allowing just a couple of runs, but the early exit marked a shift in the team’s approach to pitcher usage amid a heavy game schedule. Fans and analysts alike are weighing in on the move, with some praising the cautious approach while others wonder if Giolito could have gone deeper into the game.

Stay tuned for further updates on Lucas Giolito’s status and the Red Sox’s pitching strategy as the season

progresses.