Jose Quintana Makes First All-Star Team
CHICAGO (CBS) -- White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana has been added to the American League All-Star team, for his first career selection.
Quintana, 27, joins teammate Chris Sale as the only White Sox players on the AL roster. Quintana replaces Indians pitcher Danny Salazar, who pulled out of the All-Star game with "mild elbow discomfort."
"When Robin told me, I was so excited," Quintana said. "Making an All Star team is what a player works for. All my preparation and work paid off. I told Sale that we are going to have some fun there. So excited to go and help the American League. When I come back, we will finish strong this year. My plans were to stay in Chicago and be with my family. Now we will all fly to San Diego. We will fly with Chris."
Ventura said the team is "very excited" for Quintana.
"In any numbers that matter (except wins) he is at the very top of the league," Ventura said. "Everybody on this team and staff is happy."
Quintana has a 7-8 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 105 strikeouts against 28 walks. The primary reason he has only seven wins is low run support, which has dogged his win-loss record since joining the White Sox. In his 11 starts in May and June, the White Sox scored a total of 25 runs. He went 2-7 during that stretch, with seven quality starts. Quintana ranks among the top 10 in the AL this season in ERA, strikeouts, quality starts, innings pitched, WHIP, opponents' OBP, opponents' OPS and baserunners per 9.0 IP.
The last time the White Sox had two All-Star players was 2013, when Sale and relief pitcher Jesse Crain made the team.
White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier will be part of the All-Star festivities when he defends his Home Run Derby title on Monday.
