Despite All-Star pitcher struggling in season opener, there’s no need for White Sox fans to worry about him this early. Veteran hurler should rebound quickly.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana struggled in his first career start on Opening Day on Tuesday. The Sox contest against the Tigers was rescheduled from Monday due to rain, and Quintana didn’t have his best stuff on the mound in the makeup game.
With Quintana starting on Opening Day for the Sox, the left-hander gave up six earned runs on three home runs to the Tigers on Tuesday afternoon. Despite giving up six earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched, Quintana has actually had worst performances in his first start to a season in the past.
More from White Sox News
- 3 Chicago White Sox players to cut ties with in September
- White Sox stay close with Guardians and Twins in AL Central race
- The White Sox take a thrilling must-win game over Mariners
- Miguel Cairo could be manager the White Sox need right now
- Dylan Cease gets so close to a no-hitter in White Sox win
Although this was Quintana’s first career Opening Day start, his performance shouldn’t diminish his potential trade value this early in the season. While Quintana was mentioned in trade rumors over the past offseason, he was able to have a solid Spring Training for the Sox. Unfortuantely, it didn’t translate into much success in his first start.
However, Tuesday wasn’t his worst start to begin a season. During the 2013 season, Quintana pitched four innings against the Seattle Mariners in his first start that season. He gave up five earned runs on eight hits, including a home run. Quintana would later finish that season with a 9-7 record and 3.51 ERA.
In 2015, Quintana was shelled in his first start of that season by the eventual World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. Quintana pitched five innings, giving up five earned runs on nine hits, including a home run. He would later finish 2015 with a 9-10 record and a 3.36 ERA.
Although Quintana has struggled before in his season opening starts, he has been able to bounce back each time to have a solid campaign. This season should be no different. Quintana did give up three home runs on Tuesday, but he could very well return to form in his next start or two. If Quintana is still struggling going into June, then Sox fans should start to worry about his trade value diminishing.
Next: White Sox to Sign Mike Pelfrey
With the Sox in a clear rebuild mode, the front office doesn’t need to focus on Quintana pitching lights out to start the season. Quintana is a competitor and most likely will want to rebound from his poor performance in his next start. Let’s hope he’s able to do so, and also get some run support from the Sox offense.