The Boston Red Sox don't know if they'll have this veteran around beyond the 2025 season, but he doesn't care.

The long-awaited Boston Red Sox debut of a pre-2024 free-agent signing is finally approaching. When Boston signed veteran right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito in December of 2023, they did so with the goal of adding a workhorse to the top of the rotation for the impending season.

There is reason for optimism for the Red Sox ahead of the 2025 season, but Sam Kennedy isn’t putting the cart before the horse.

Giolito (elbow) threw a 15-pitch live batting practice session Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of Mass Live reports. "Being able to get through that step, for me, it feels like the end of the rehab arc," Giolito said.

Bello has been sidelined since the start of spring draining due to a shoulder injury. He underwent an apparently successful strength test last weekend, clearing the way for a critical bullpen session scheduled for Friday. "That bullpen is huge on Friday," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters on Monday, via The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.

The Red Sox's injury list includes catcher Connor Wong, outfielder Jarren Duran, infielder Romy Gonzalez, starting pitchers Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito, and relievers Bryan Mata, Adam Ottavino and Garrett Whitlock, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.

Lucas Giolito took a big step forward at JetBlue Park on Tuesday and feels like he'll be ready when Opening Day rolls around for the Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox will aim to end their postseason drought this year after going three seasons without a playoff appearance.

Of course, that pact came under former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom rather than Breslow, opening the door to the tensions the Red Sox are facing today. Giolito’s status entering the season ...

The Middleborough man allowed one hit and struck out three without a walk against the Braves Tuesday, one of his former teams.

Alex Cora said several times last week that he’s not going to criticize players for comments they make to the media, even when those comments stir up a controversy. He respects that they have an opinion.

Giolito (elbow) is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice session of the spring in the coming days, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.