RADIO
Lucas Giolito Looks To Improve Off Strong Finish To 2017
7 years agoAs one of the main pieces in the Adam Eaton trade, the former top pitching prospect for the Nationals fared well with a change of scenery with the White Sox. In six games in 2016 for the Nats, Giolito struggled with a 6.75 ERA in six appearances (four starts). The right-hander started 2017 for Triple-A Charlotte where he had a 4.48 ERA in 24 starts before being promoted to the big league club late in the season. When Giolito arrived in the big leagues, he came with a bang. In seven starts, he pitched to a 2.38 ERA. Giolito does struggle at striking out batters as evidenced by his 6.75 K/9, but his 45% groundball rate is league average. Giolito's ERA will likely rise from last season's small sample size, but he is a nice option in keeper and dynasty leagues where he should be universally owned. AL-only and deeper mixed league owners should also be willing to take a chance with Giolito. He has always had the potential to be a strong pitcher and if last year is any sign of that, he will be a good late round pick.
