The Cubs announced on Thursday that starter José Quintana required microscopic surgery to repair a lacerated digital sensory nerve in his left thumb. He suffered the injury last Saturday washing dishes at his home in Miami. Quintana will resume his throwing program in two weeks.
Quintana, 31, will likely miss the beginning of the regular season. Last year, he posted a lacklsuter 4.68 ERA for the Cubs with 152 strikeouts and 46 walks across 171 innings. He is in the last year of his contract and can become a free agent after the season.
Quintana’s absence likely solidifies Tyler Chatwood’s place in the Cubs’ rotation and makes Alec Mills the favorite for the No. 5 spot.
