White Sox: Five Takeaways From Series Against Twins

Sep 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a three run home run during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a three run home run during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Quintana Struggles Mightily Against Twins

Jose Quintana entered his start against the Twins with an 11-9 record and an AL-leading 2.77 ERA. However, the Twins ended their 13-game losing streak by hammering on Quintana throughout the night. Quintana had arguably his worst start of the season on Thursday. The All-Star pitcher gave up seven earned runs in five innings pitched against the Twins.

The Twins hit two home runs off Quintana and were able to get seven hits off the Cy Young award candidate. Although Quintana doesn’t have the number of victories as other Cy Young candidates, he has been pitching well lately for the Sox. In his previous two starts before Thursday, Quintana had given up just two earned runs. Despite giving up seven earned runs against the Twins, Quintana did record eight strikeouts.

In order for Quintana to have any chance of winning the Cy Young award, he will need to finish the season strong. Quintana already doesn’t get much run support from the Sox offense, and he will need better outings moving forward. The Sox shouldn’t worry about Quintana as starting pitchers will have a bad start or two during a season. If Quintana can get back to dominating, the Sox will be fine for the remainder of the season.

Next: James Shields is Still Bad