Jose Quintana’s first impression on the Cubs was an impressive one, as the lefty blanked the Orioles over seven shutout innings on Sunday afternoon in a 8-0 win. He limited the opposition to three hits without issuing a walk and striking out 12 on 100 pitches. Carl Edwards, Jr. relieved him to start the eighth inning. The Cubs’ offense had scored six runs, including two on a home run by Kris Bryant in the fourth inning.
Quintana’s performance on Sunday marked only the fourth time this season a Cubs starter tossed seven or more shutout innings and it’s only the second time it’s been done by a Cub this season with double-digit strikeouts.
Quintana, 28, joined the Cubs on pace to have the worst season of his career. Over 18 starts, he compiled a 4.49 ERA with a 109/40 K/BB ratio in 104 1/3 innings. He hadn’t finished a season with an ERA higher than 3.76 since debuting in 2012.
The Cubs acquired Quintana from the White Sox on Thursday in exchange for four minor leaguers, including Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease. Quintana is under contract for $8.85 million next season and the Cubs have options worth $10.5 million for the ensuing two seasons with $1 million buyouts.