Chicago White Sox righty Lucas Giolito was cruising along on Friday against the Detroit Tigers, throwing four scoreless innings before having to leave early with abdominal tightness. Giolito himself believed he could potentially steer clear of going on the IL, but manager Tony La Russa clarified that's not going to happen.

Via James Fegan of The Athletic:

Two starts would mean about 10 days. This is a huge blow for the White Sox rotation, who are already without ace Lance Lynn due to injury. It doesn't sound like a serious injury for Giolito though, which is definitely a positive. Giolito is a rock in the middle of the Chicago staff and will be missed for the time being.

The big right-hander went 11-9 in 2021 with a 3.53 ERA in 11 starts, striking out 201 hitters in 178.2 innings of work. La Russa said Vince Velasquez will start the home opener and he could potentially put Reynaldo Lopez in the rotation unless he pitches out of the bullpen in this Tigers series.

The White Sox will send Dylan Cease to the mound on Saturday after losing Game 1 of the three-game set. Detroit counters with Casey Mize. Let's hope Lucas Giolito can get healthy ASAP and get back on the mound for the reigning AL Central champions.