HOT CORNER

1 PRO BASEBALL: The Red Sox are likely to be without right-handed starter Lucas Giolito for opening day and potentially longer after he experienced discomfort in his elbow. Manager Alex Cora said Giolito will have additional exams to determine the severity of the injury.“We’re obviously concerned. Not a good day for us,” Cora said. Giolito signed a $38.5 million, twoyear deal with the Red Sox this offseason. He made two starts in spring training, throwing two scoreless innings in his first outing before getting roughed up against Minnesota last Friday. After that start, Giolito reported the discomfort in his elbow. Giolito is coming off a 2023 season in which he gave up a leaguehigh 41 home runs and had a 4.88 ERA pitching for the White Sox, Angels and Guardians.

2 PRO BASEBALL: Astros ace Justin Verlander will open the season on the injured list after dealing with right shoulder inflammation during the offseason. Manager Joe Espada said Verlander, 41, hasn’t suffered any setbacks but needs more time to become game-ready. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to throw in the bullpen again Friday but has yet to face hitters. Verlander is expected to return early in the season. Verlander signed an $86.7 million, two-year deal with the Mets ahead of the 2023 season but was traded back to Houston on Aug. 2.

3 WOMEN’S COLLEGE

BASKETBALL: South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao is returning to the No. 1 Gamecocks for a final season. The nation’s top 3-point shooter at 48.6% (68 of 140) announced her decision a day after South Carolina’s Senior Day ceremonies. The two other seniors honored with Paopao, Kamilla Cardoso and Sakima Walker, also have the option to return next season.

4 PRO BASKETBALL: Clippers guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on his fractured left hand and the team describes his status as week-to-week. Westbrook, 35, had played in every game for the Clippers this season before breaking his hand, averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists.