THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,577 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,577 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | Story | 5/4/2012

Giolito returns to throwing

Photo: Rick Giolito
Lucas Giolito hasn't thrown a baseball since being removed from a game on Tuesday, March 6. While he didn't return to the mound on Thursday, he did throw the ball for the first time in over eight weeks, doing so on flat ground at a distance of about 30 to 40 feet.

The starter for the West squad in last summer's Perfect Game All-American Classic, Giolito entered the spring with a legitimate chance to become the first right handed pitcher selected first overall in the MLB draft. His velocity had continued to improve, with reports of his fastball not only hitting, but sustaining, the magical 100 mph mark in one start while also honing his “wipeout” curveball.

At 6-foot-6, 240-pounds he also has the ideal size for a staff ace to go along with an easy, repeatable delivery. Basically, all of the pieces are in place for him to become a future staff ace.

He was removed from his start on March 6 after feeling a pull in his elbow which was diagnosed the following morning as a strain in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). No surgery was deemed necessary, but Giolito immediately began a rigorous rehabilitation program.

“I've been doing all sorts of exercises to really strengthen different parts of my arm and body that I haven't really touched before,” Giolito told Perfect Game shortly after his throwing session. “I've been doing exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, my back and my scapula and also strengthen my forearm. I feel a lot stronger than I used to, especially with my arm, and it's all going to help so I'm not putting unnecessary stress on my elbow so I can stay healthy."

The silver lining that has emerged through this process is that Giolito has learned a lot about his body, and has gotten a taste of what is needed to be done moving forward to sustain good health and the success that comes with it.

“I've learned all sorts of things,” Giolito said. “Once you start a program like this it's something you can take with you the rest of your career, so it's definitely something I'll always be doing making sure I'm always strong and everything is working properly.

"When I first started I was doing these exercises that were killing me. Now when I do them they're so much easier and I feel so much stronger.

”Because I'm not able to pitch I'm taking rehabilitation really seriously making sure I'm making everything really stronger. I'm also focusing keeping my leg strong and making my core really strong too.”

While the first question that pops to mind for most people, including those in the scouting community, is when Giolito will return to pitching.  One may think that the impending draft may unnecessarily speed up the timetable for his return, but that is not the case.  Giolito exudes wisdom beyond his years while keeping the big picture in mind.

“I'm not on any sort set timetable for throwing,” Giolito said. “(Throwing) was just flat ground today, just making sure the arm feels loose and it feels really good. I'm not really in a rush to do anything right now. I want to make sure that I stay healthy because when I'm doing things like this I have my whole career in mind, not just the near future, so I want to make sure that I take it slow and I listen to my arm and make sure it's feeling good.”

How much Giolito's absence from pitching affects his draft stock won't be determined until draft day itself, and Giolito insists that he doesn't have his mind on the draft or his seemingly eventual professional career. He remains comfortable with his commitment to UCLA as part of a promising recruiting class that includes Harvard-Westlake and Perfect Game All-American teammate Max Fried, as well as fellow PG All-Americans Hunter Virant, Cody Poteet and Daniel Robertson.

The thought of even half of those players attending college is an exciting one for the Bruins, particularly since they're one year removed from graduating two of the top pitching prospects in the game, Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer.

“UCLA is fantastic,” Giolito said of his commitment. “They're having a really good season, I've been out to see a bunch of games over the weekends so it's very exciting. I still love my commitment there, so I'm looking forward to it.”

For the time being Giolito remains a member of his Harvard-Westlake baseball team, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation as part of Perfect Game's National High School Rankings. Not being able to take the mound and compete has been difficult, but he has a positive outlook on he and his team's situation.

“Despite not being able to pitch I still feel like I'm part of the team, the team accepts me and we're all in it together,” Giolito said. “Right now the team's really playing well so we'll see how the end of the season unfolds.”

As for the next time that Giolito throws, that remains to be determined as his strict focus remains on rehab.

“I'm going to build (the arm strength) back up, building it back slowly, build it back up while listening to my arm and how my arm feels and we'll see how it goes. I'm very excited to start pitching again.”



Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 2

Jordan Gates
Article Image
UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1 ‘27 RHP Alexander Kakach (MN) displayed present arm strength and some feel to spin. The #Creighton commit was up to 93 mph with the FB (89-93), while the SL showed two plane break at 79-84 mph. Mixed in CT at 84-86 with tight action in the zone. #UBCMW @MNIcemen @PG_WiscMinn pic.twitter.com/TlrOnNDIcd — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 18, 2026 Alexander Kakach (2027, Plymouth, Minn.) of MN Icemen 17U Gominsky displayed intriguing upside on the mound, striking out five over 4.0 innings while running the fastball up to 93 mph with ride. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander and Creighton commit paired the fastball with a low-80s slider that flashed two-plane break and a cutter that played well off the mix. Kakach worked with a loose, quick arm from a high three-quarter slot, creating quality movement across his mix while displaying...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
Article Image
Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

Battle for the Windy City Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Tyler Osmanski (2027, Frankfort, Ill.) a 5-foot-11 160-pound right-handed pitcher worked a 7 inning complete game shutout to start off Chicago Elite’s 6-0 weekend. On top of going the distance he allowed only three base runners and one hit. Osmanski has lots of athleticism in his delivery. He keeps his body under control while still being able to have good arm action and great hip to shoulder separation. He works from the third base side of the rubber with a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball was up to 84mph multiple times and sat 80-83mph. He used two offspeed pitches, a good 12-6 breaking ball 65-68mph, and a changeup in the low 70’s.     ‘27 RHP Brett Alkire (IL) punched out everyone across his 5.2 inning masterful outing. He struck out 13 batters and did it on 66% strikes. Has an active arm action and kept the ball on the corners. FB T92 early w/...
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Florida Burn Cruise to 17U BCS Crown

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
Article Image
Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, IL) made an impression in Chicago this week. A 6-foot-5 right hander with a starter pitch mix. Topped out at 93 in his outing at UBC Midwest and pitched at 88-93 for 2 innings on the mound. Slider showed late horizontal bite at its best when finished out front. Change up is a usable third pitch with fading action and ability to miss bats. Clean overall operation in the delivery. Upside with added stability in the arm action. Chance to be one of the top prospects in Illinois and potentially the country with necessary adjustments moving forward.  Connor Basinski (2028, Columbia, IL) an athletic player with 2-way potential. Physicality stands out for a player in the 2028 class. Swung the bat impressively well in Chicago. Hits from a wide stance and stays balanced using strength and leverage to drive the baseball to all fields. Launched a long pull side...
Loading more articles...