PEORIA, Ariz. — Jose Quintana had his first shaky outing in Cactus League play this spring, pitching four scoreless innings (despite control problems in the first) before giving up five runs in the fifth inning of the San Diego Padres’ 10-4 victory over the White Sox on Monday.
Afterward, Quintana said he expects to pitch in the second game of the season on April 8, which comes as no surprise as the left-hander has been lined up for that start ever since Chris Sale went down with an injury. Jeff Samardzija is expected to start the opener on April 6.
Quintana said he had trouble staying closed in his delivery, which happens to him on occasion, and he gave up eight hits. He threw 44 of his 80 pitches for strikes, a lower percentage than usual, and his ERA climbed to 3.46 this spring.
Manager Robin Ventura still hasn’t announced Samardzija for Opening Day. Quintana would be a worthy choice, and it’s not for a lack of love and respect that he wouldn’t be the one.
“I’ve been a big fan of his since he got here,’’ Ventura said. “Just the way he’s gone about his business … sometimes we don’t score for him, but his attitude and the way he goes about things is as good as anybody that I have ever been around in the game.’’
Quintana said he’s ready for the season to start now.“That second day is my day,” he said after his outing.Sox pitchers gave up a whopping 17 hits. After Quintana, Daniel Webb (two runs on four hits and a walk, 7.52 ERA), Frankie Montas (three runs, three hits, three walks, 10.82 ERA) and Jake Petricka (one run, two hits, 3.86 ERA) added to the damage. The Sox had most of their starting lineup going but Tyson Ross and Kevin Quackenbush held them to one hit – Conor Gillaspie’s fly ball lost in the sun – over the first six innings.
On deck: Rockies at Sox (3:05, CSN). John Danks (0-1, 6.35) vs. Jordan Lyles.