Quality innings, not decisions, matter to Quintana

Jose Quintana’s American League record 17 no-decisions are three shy of Bert Blyleven’s major-league mark set with Pittsburgh in 1979, according to Elias, and Quintana’s 27 no-decisions since last season are the most in the majors.

These are not the numbers Quintana wants to be remembered by. Pitching 200 innings is a goal he covets, though, but because the Sox are using a modified six-man rotation these last few weeks of the season, Quintana lines up to get two more starts and would fall short. He’s at 179 2/3 after pitching seven scoreless in the Sox’ 1-0 loss to the Tigers Wednesday, so unless the Sox squeeze in an extra start for him, Quintana will fall short.

At least he won’t tie Blyleven.

He said he feels strong enough to make three more.

“My arm feels good,’’ said the Colombian-born Quintana, 24, who pitched 180 innings between the Sox (136 1/3) and AA Birmingham his rookie year last season. “Nothing hurts. Day 2 (after a start) is a little sore but by Day 3 it’s good.’’

Quintana’s outing Wednesday marked the sixth time in his career he pitched at least seven innings without a win, tying Joel Horlen for the most such starts in franchise history, according to STATS LLC.

Only Chris Sale, with 195 2/3 innings over 27 starts, has more than Quintana on the Sox. Quintana has made 30 starts.

“I watch closely when he pitches,’’ Quintana said. “He’s exciting. He fights, fights, fights out there.’’

Blyleven, who won 287 games and had 3,701 strikeouts over his 22-year career, was 12-5 with a 3.60 ERA in ’79.

Quintana is 7-6 with a 3.56 ERA. A lack of run support has cost him more wins, but to his credit he hasn’t complained once about that.