The White Sox announced Monday that Giolito will start Friday's season opener in Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito became the easy choice for the Opening Day nod after the White Sox announced Sunday that Lance Lynn will be sidelined for at least the first month of the season while recovering from right knee surgery. The 27-year-old righty took somewhat of a step back statistically in 2021, but his 11 wins, 3.53 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 201 strikeouts over 178.1 innings made him far from a disappointment for those that invested in him hoping for a Cy Young-caliber season. The White Sox will be counting on him to anchor the rotation while Lynn is on the mend.

Giolito and the White Sox agreed to terms on a one-year, $7.45 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito had his third straight strong season last year, with his ERA rising negligibly from 3.48 to 3.53. He did experience a drop in strikeout rate, which came in at 27.9 percent after finishing north of 32 percent in each of the previous two seasons, but the overall package was still enough to make him a frontline starter.

Giolito allowed four runs on three hits and five walks while striking out four in 4.1 innings during Friday's loss to the Astros in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito finished the regular season on a high note with a 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 16.1 innings across his final three regular-season starts. However, he was unable to replicate his success in Friday's postseason appearance, as he threw just 52 of his 90 pitches for strikes. The right-hander's five walks matched his highest total of the season, and his next appearance depends on whether the White Sox can win three consecutive games to advance to the ALCS.

Giolito will start Game 2 of the ALDS against the Astros on Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito lasted at least five innings in each of his final three starts of the regular season, and he recorded a 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 16.1 innings during that time. The right-hander will be on full rest in Friday's postseason start.

Giolito didn't factor in the decision against Detroit on Saturday, pitching five innings and allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito was effective in his final start of the regular season, as the Tigers were held to a lone run and didn't produce any extra-base hits against the hurler. He was outdueled by Detroit starter Matt Manning, who pitched five scoreless frames and also gave up only a pair of hits, though a late-game comeback by Chicago resulted in both pitchers notching a no-decision. Giolito finishes the regular season with a 3.53 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 201 strikeouts across 178.2 innings. His next outing will likely come in the ALDS.

Giolito (11-9) allowed five hits and a walk over six scoreless frames Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito threw 62 of 100 pitches for strikes and never faced a serious threat in his second straight win, allowing just one extra-base hit. The 27-year-old righty is 3-1 over his last eight outings with a 2.42 ERA. Sunday marked his first time completing at least six innings since Aug. 25 and he lowered his season ERA to 3.58 through 173.2 frames. Giolito is lined up to face Detroit at home next weekend, although the White Sox could always reshuffle their rotation ahead of the postseason.

Giolito (10-9) allowed one earned run on six hits and one walk while striking out four across 5.1 innings, earning the win over the Rangers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito allowed three hits in the fifth inning, leading to the only run he allowed. His four punchouts were his lowest in his last seven starts. The 26-year-old has a 3.70 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with a 10.3 K/9 in 167.2 innings this season. His next start is scheduled for Friday in Cleveland.

Giolito tossed four innings against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

A pair of Angels long balls were responsible for all three runs Giolito surrendered, though he allowed only one additional hit outside of the homers. The right-hander flashed his dominant arsenal by inducing 18 swinging strikes and racking up eight punchouts in only four frames; however, the White Sox elected to pull him after 87 pitches, likely in deference to the fact that he hadn't pitched in two weeks due to a hamstring injury. Giolito is tentatively scheduled to make his next start at Detroit on Monday.

Giolito (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Giolito's hamstring strain wound up costing him two turns in the rotation. His final start of August, in which he suffered the injury, wasn't his best, as he walked four batters in 4.1 innings of work while allowing a pair of runs, but that followed a four-start stretch in which he cruised to a 2.16 ERA and 0.80 WHIP.

Manager Tony La Russa is hopeful that Giolito (hamstring) will be able to start Tuesday's series opener against the Angels, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The White Sox have several starting pitchers on the brink of rejoining the starting rotation, and Giolito is in contention to return after a fairly minimal stay on the 10-day IL. The right-hander threw at max effort Tuesday and is expected to throw a bullpen session in the coming days, and he should return to game action next week if his upcoming throwing sessions go well.