Lucas Giolito Battles Distractions And Trade Talks On The Mound

Whether they are willing to admit it or not, trade rumors are a major distraction for players. No player on the White Sox has had to deal with louder rumors, than Lucas Giolito. 

Giolito is one of the hottest pitching commodities on the trading block. In 116 innings he has posted a 3.96 ERA and 122 strikeouts. He has also allowed four runs or fewer in all but two of his 20 starts. The Astros, Dodgers, Reds, Rangers, and Orioles have all been listed as potential fits for the right-hander. 

Not only is Giolito auditioning for other contenders before the trade deadline he is also pitching for his next contract before he hits free agency. If that wasn’t enough of a distraction he is also fresh off announcing a divorce from his wife of four years.

To Giolito’s credit, he has said all the right things such as expressing his gratitude for the White Sox organization and desire to remain in Chicago. He is also trying to control what he can control. 

“From what I’ve heard, generally, it happens very fast,” Giolito told Scott Merkin of MLB.com when asked if he thought the front office would talk to him about his future.  “So, I really don’t know. Again, it’s not something I’m going to concern myself with. Whatever happens, happens.”

However, it was apparent on Tuesday night that the rumors may be distracting him. 

Giolito got lit up by the Mets surrendering eight runs on six hits and five walks in what could be his final start in a White Sox uniform. It was the most runs he has allowed since April 7th against the Pirates

The first inning set the tone for the evening. Giolito greeted the Mets with a walk, RBI double, wild pitch, and another walk. Rookies Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty launched back-to-back home runs, and Giolito didn’t record his first out until he induced a sacrifice fly off the bat of Pete Alonso. 

When the dust settled his ERA, which sat at 3.45 at the start of the evening shot up .51 points. His 3 ⅔ innings pitched tied his shortest start of the season. 

“Gio was a little off today,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters after the game. “It just seemed like every pitch that was left out over the plate was hit hard.”

Giolito was frustrated by his lack of command and even admitted that his pitches weren’t moving the way the way he has been used to. 

“I clearly didn’t have it tonight, and it hurts because the whole team came in to play,” Giolito said. “I mean, we battled all the way back. … I just didn’t have feel and I didn’t make adjustments. I got exposed.”

While Tuesday night’s results were ugly it is unlikely to affect his trade value. Former All-Star pitchers do not grow on trees. However, you have to empathize with Giolito who is trying to ward off outside noise while seemingly being on the precipice of switching jerseys. 

Tuesday’s night start won’t define his career on the South Side but it would be a shame if it was his final impression.