Chicago Cubs news: Jose Quintana to make team debut on Sunday vs. Orioles
Mark you calendars. Jose Quintana will make his Chicago Cubs debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Well, we are not going to have to wait long to see the new guy in action. According to multiple reports, the Chicago Cubs will send new starting pitcher Jose Quintana to the mound on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. Quintana’s North Side debut will undoubtedly be much anticipated.
The Cubs acquired the veteran left-hander in a deal with their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox, on Thursday. In the deal, the Cubs gave up top prospect Eloy Jimenez, top pitching prospect Dylan Cease and a pair of infield prospects in Matt Rose and Bryant Flete.
It was undoubtedly a hefty price to pay, but Quintana is a perfect fit for this team. He is a dependable top of the rotation pitcher who will immediately slide in as a major part of the rotation. Quintana immediately fills the biggest hole on the current Cubs’ roster. However, perhaps more importantly, he is under team control for a great price through the 2020 season.
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Quintana not only emphatically fills the Cubs’ most immediate need, he fills their largest long-term need as well. Giving up Jimenez and Cease is tough, but Quintana is undoubtedly worth it to this team.
Second start against Baltimore
Quintana has already made one start against the Orioles this season. On May 7th, Quintana took the loss for the White Sox, pitching five innings and giving up four earned runs. Not a terrible start, but hopefully he can fare better this time around.
Mike Montgomery will start for the Cubs in their first game back after the break on Friday, followed by Jake Arrieta and Quintana on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Jon Lester will take the mound on Monday against the Atlanta Braves, followed by John Lackey on Tuesday and Montgomery again on Wednesday. Kyle Hendricks is also expected to figure into the plans extremely soon, as he rehabs from a finger injury.
Next: Jose Quintana trade good for both sides
The Chicago Cubs will need a strong second half of the season to catch and pass the Milwaukee Brewers. Can Quintana be the piece that puts them over the hump? We will begin to find out on Sunday.