Taking on a Leadership Role
Jose Quintana is proving himself to be a successful reclamation project for the Pittsburgh Pirates. As a veteran on a roster full of young and inexperienced players, Quintana has set a high standard for his teammates to follow. His leadership in the dugout and on the mound is helping shape the future of the team.
Impressive Performance Stats
Quintana boasts an impressive ERA of 2.70 across 30 innings pitched. In six starts, he holds a 1-1 record, striking out 25 batters with a WHIP of 1.20. Over the season, he has allowed only two home runs and issued 13 walks in his first year with the Pirates. While just short of qualifying for the overall ERA leaderboard, he would rank 19th alongside Brad Keller of the Kansas City Royals.
A Comeback Story
Once considered one of baseball’s top left-handed pitchers, Quintana’s recent history includes a challenging 2021 season with the Los Angeles Angels, where he started only 10 games in 24 appearances. He also played five games for the San Francisco Giants before entering free agency. Moving to Pittsburgh has given him the chance to regain the form that once earned him a significant trade from the Chicago Cubs during his time with the White Sox.
Keys to Success
Quintana’s success depends on his ability to limit earned runs. However, he faces challenges, as indicated by his Baseball Savant metrics, which place him in the 17th percentile for both xERA (expected ERA) and xwOBA (expected weighted on-base average). These metrics use exit velocity, launch angle, and sprint speed to assess a pitcher’s effectiveness.
Adjustments in Pitching Strategy
Quintana has adapted his pitching style since his peak seasons. His fastball velocity has decreased from 91.5 MPH in 2021 to 90.4 MPH this season, partially due to his previous bullpen role. His four-seam fastball usage has dropped to a career-low 36%, while his sinker usage has decreased by over 6%, making it his least-used pitch.
Embracing Change
One of the underappreciated aspects of Quintana’s career is his changeup, which pitching coach Oscar Marin plans to use more frequently. Quintana has doubled his changeup usage from 14.6% last season to 30.2% this year, making it his second-most-used pitch. Conversely, his curveball usage has decreased, with hitters batting only .174 against it.
Looking Ahead
Quintana’s sinker is his most-targeted pitch, with an average batting rate of .357, while his four-seam fastball holds batters to an average of .182. His changeup hovers around the Mendoza Line at .200, and his career-high 7% weak-contact rate has significantly contributed to his sub-three ERA.
These adjustments have given Quintana another opportunity in the major leagues, and he is making the most of it in Pittsburgh. As an experienced player, he might even become a trade target for the Pirates if he maintains his strong performance throughout the 2022 season.
