BOSTON — Instant reactions as the Red Sox (18-19) fall below .500 as Lucas Giolito gets shelled at soggy Fenway and Boston falls, 6-1, to the Rangers:

It was Giolito's first start for the Red Sox after he signed a two-year, $37 million deal ahead of the 2024 season. Before the 2024 season began, he felt elbow discomfort and eventually had internal brace repair surgery, keeping him out all of 2024.

Lucas Giolito’s first start off the injured list was highly encouraging. The right-hander shut down the Blue Jays for most of his outing, and while he eventually ran out of gas, Giolito gave good reason for optimism going forward. But Tuesday night marked a concerning step backwards.