Red Sox Adjust Wild Card Rotation After Giolito Elbow Injury

The Boston Red Sox will begin their AL Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees with Garrett Crochet starting Game 1 and Brayan Bello taking the mound in Game 2. Lucas Giolito, initially expected to start Game 3, has been left off the roster due to a right-elbow injury, prompting manager Alex Cora to consider young pitchers like Connelly Early and Kyle Harrison for a potential third game. The Yankees have named Max Fried and Carlos Rodon as starters for Games 1 and 2 respectively, with rookie Cam Schlittler slated to start the do-or-die Game 3, a decision reflecting his strong performances and the Yankees' confidence in his postseason capabilities. Both teams face a best-of-three series, with Game 3 only necessary if the first two games are split. Meanwhile, in the National League, the Cincinnati Reds announced Hunter Greene as their Game 1 starter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wild Card series. These pitching decisions set the stage for critical postseason matchups with significant implications for both leagues.