Lucas Giolito sends mixed messages about reaching Red Sox contract milestone

Athletics v Boston Red Sox | Jaiden Tripi/GettyImagesBoston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito's September 17 performance against the A's wasn't his best, and he hasn't looked the same as he did during his torrid stretch in June and July. Giolito allowed four runs on five hits and five walks over 4.1 innings.

Giolito's four-plus frames were just enough for him to reach 140.1 innings on the season, one-third more than he needed to activate a provision in his contract. If the righty pitched less than 140 innings this season, the Red Sox would get control of him for $14 million in 2026. Now that he's tossed over 140 frames, the vesting option has become a $19 million mutual option, which Giolito…