DENVER — Left-hander Jose Quintana’s 10 strikeouts against the Rockies in the White Sox’ 5-4 victory Saturday were enough to put a star on his outing. For a stretch after Nolan Arenado’s two-run home run in the first inning and before he walked two and gave up an RBI double in the sixth, Quintana was dominant.
He left with the lead after using 103 pitches to get through 5„ innings of three-run ball, and Tim Anderson homered against Greg Holland in the ninth inning, his second in two nights. David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth to preserve the win and halt a three-game skid.
Pitching before a large assemblage of scouts and the subject of ongoing trade rumors, Quintana showcased an excellent curve and kept it down in the zone.
“I had a really good breaking ball, especially late,’’ Quintana said, “against one of the best lineups in baseball.’’
Quintana said he wants to remain with the Sox, but “I know the trade [rumors] are around me. It’s part of the game. I’m just focusing on doing a better job in the second half.’’
Jose Abreu, Yolmer Sanchez and Willy Garcia tripled in the first four innings against Jeff Hoffman, giving the Sox three in a game for the first time since Aug. 11, 2011, when they had five against the Indians.
Garcia’s triple in the fourth gave Quintana a rare RBI opportunity, and the right-handed swinger came through with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-2.
“My first RBI,’’ Quintana said, beaming.
Anderson, who had his parents and siblings in the stands, also was all smiles after getting only the second homer hit against Holland this season.
“A special moment,’’ he said.
Garcia expected back Sunday
Avisail Garcia missed his second consecutive start with a sprained middle finger on his right hand but was believed to be available to pinch-hit and is expected to start Sunday in the last game before the All-Star break.
Garcia recently missed five consecutive games with inflammation in his left knee. He will be the Sox’ representative at the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Miami.
3 Sox prospects in Futures Game
Class AAA Charlotte second baseman Yoan Moncada, Class AA Birmingham right-hander Michael Kopech and high-Class A Winston-Salem catcher Zack Collins will represent the Sox in the Futures Game on Sunday (3 p.m., MLB Network) in Miami. As a Red Sox prospect in 2016, Moncada was the game’s MVP. He is the No. 1-ranked prospect, according to Baseball America and MLB.com.
Injury updates
Infielder Tyler Saladino (back) has played in five rehab games at Charlotte, and outfielder-infielder Leury Garcia (sprained finger) is rehabbing in Arizona. Right-handers Jake Petricka (elbow strain) and Nate Jones (elbow neuritis) are on the trip, but Jones’ throwing has been limited. Petricka isn’t throwing off a mound yet.
Ynoa outrighted
Michael Ynoa, designated for assignment Thursday, was outrighted to Charlotte. He was 1-0 with a 5.90 ERA in 22 relief appearances.
Follow me on Twitter @CST_soxvan.
Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com
RELATED STORIES
Stone says Harrelson deserves Ford Frick Award
Something Brewing? Rumor mill heats up again for Jose Quintana