José Quintana Puts Up Strong Start Amid Mets’ Struggles

Last week’s trade deadline saw the Mets making significant moves, parting ways with nearly all valuable players on their roster whose contracts end after next season. José Quintana is an exception. In Sunday’s game against the Orioles, Quintana endured a 2-0 loss despite a solid performance. Over six innings, he allowed just two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six.

Quintana, who recently returned from an injury suffered in spring that kept him out with a fractured rib, showcased exactly what the Mets had expected when they signed him this past offseason.

“Everyone is getting a glimpse of what he can do for us the rest of this year and next year,’’ Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s as advertised.”

In his fourth start since returning, he gave up only two runs in six-plus innings against the Orioles. The left-hander effectively commanded his pitches and stayed ahead of hitters, exploiting Baltimore’s aggressive approach at the plate.

José Quintana, Dirty 78mph Curveball. ????

6th K pic.twitter.com/BHMQb2ejym

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 6, 2023

However, the Orioles managed to score against Quintana, partly due to a misplay by Rafael Ortega in the outfield, resulting in a triple by Jorge Mateo in the fifth inning. Mateo crossed home plate when the next batter, Adley Rutchsman, hit a ground ball to third, but Mark Vientos failed to handle it cleanly.

Sunday marked his third consecutive quality start since his return from rib surgery. The 34-year-old pitcher has shown he still possesses his effectiveness, boasting a 3.42 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in four starts. However, given the Mets’ struggles, securing wins has become a challenging task for the seasoned 13-year veteran. Had it not been for Quintana’s rib injury, which kept him out of the Mets’ rotation until late July, the team might have found itself in a better position.

“I am getting more and more confidence on the mound,” Quintana said. “It feels better with my stuff and changing speeds, and all my strengths are still there.”

Notably, Quintana’s exceptional performance continued an impressive streak dating back to last year, during which he hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a single outing, spanning a total of 18 games. This streak stands as the longest in Quintana’s career and currently the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.

If the Mets look to put a “competitive team” on the field in 2024, Quintana will be an important part of the rotation that looks to be far better than the first three months of this season.

The post José Quintana Puts Up Strong Start Amid Mets’ Struggles first appeared on Metsmerized Online.