Jos Quintana, the veteran left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, is set to start Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. This outing marks his sixth postseason appearance in a 13-year career, highlighting his experience and reliability in critical games.
Quintana's journey to this point has been marked by both success and adversity. After an impressive 2022 season split between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals, he signed with the Mets in the offseason, aiming to contribute to the team's push for championship contention. However, his 2023 season was marred by a stress fracture in his fifth rib, which kept him out for the entire first half of the season.
Despite the setback, Quintana rebounded strongly when he returned to the mound. He posted a 3.57 ERA with 60 strikeouts across 75.2 innings in 2023, demonstrating his ability to perform well when healthy. This resilience has been a hallmark of his career, which includes stints with the Chicago White Sox, where he began his major league journey, and other teams like the Yankees and Cubs.
Recent Performance
In the 2024 season, Quintana has been a key figure in the Mets' rotation. He has delivered another strong season, pitching over 200 innings for the fourth consecutive year. His recent form has been particularly impressive, with a 1.65 ERA and 21 strikeouts over his last three starts, covering 16.1 innings. This streak includes a notable performance where he earned his 100th career win, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Quintana's last regular-season start against the Brewers was on Saturday, where he allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out nine batters in 4.1 innings, though he took the loss. This performance sets the stage for his upcoming postseason start, where he will look to capitalize on his recent form and help the Mets advance in the playoffs.
Postseason Experience
With five previous postseason appearances, Quintana brings valuable experience to the Mets' playoff run. His ability to perform under pressure has been a consistent aspect of his career, making him a reliable choice for critical games. This experience is crucial as the Mets face off against the Brewers, a team that has shown significant resilience, as seen in their recent comeback led by Jackson Chourio.
As the Mets and Brewers clash in the Wild Card Series, Quintana's start in Game 3 is pivotal. His performance will be closely watched, given the tight competition and the high stakes involved. The series is currently tied, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand, making Quintana's outing a crucial moment in the playoffs.
