The Chicago White Sox named Lucas Giolito their Opening Day starter following Lance Lynn's sudden injury. Lynn had a legitimate argument to earn the role as Opening Day starter following his impressive 2021 performance that saw him finish with a 2.69 ERA and 176 strikeouts. Giolito's ERA was not quite as good, as he finished with a 3.53 ERA. However, Giolito did strikeout 201 batters.

So both pitchers certainly made strong cases for the job but Lynn's injury made the decision easier on manager Tony La Russa. Lance Lynn is expected to miss the first eight weeks of the season.

Lucas Giolito has transformed into the White Sox ace following his dreadful 2018 campaign that saw him finish as the worst pitcher in baseball. He made the necessary adjustments in 2019 and has finished with a mid-3's ERA in each season since. Additionally, he has now been named Opening Day starter three years in a row.

Chicago will need Giolito, and Lynn when he returns, to lead their otherwise young pitching staff. With the exception of Dallas Keuchel, the rest of the rotation is expected to consist of young hurlers such as 25-year old Michael Kopech and 26-year old Dylan Cease.

One note about Giolito is that he added 20 pounds of mass during the offseason. This could provide him with an uptick in velocity which could lead to an even better 2022 performance. As long as Giolito stays healthy he could be in store for a monster season. The White Sox are hopeful he can lead them to a deep postseason run.