By RONALD BLUM

NEW YORK (AP) — Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will miss the AL Wild Card Series because of an injured elbow.

A 31-year-old right-hander, Giolito had been expected to start the third game of the best-of-three series on Thursday, following Garrett Crochet (18-5) and Brayan Bello (11-9) in Boston’s rotation.

“It’s a big blow,” Crochet said. “He’s a great arm and I think that he strikes fear in opposing lineups.”

Giolito went to be examined by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. Dugas repaired the ulnar collateral ligament in Giolito’s right elbow with internal brace surgery on March 12 last year.

“He’s been battling with his elbow the last few days, and today he went to see Dr. Dugas,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday.

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