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Even before he was dealt to the Boston Red Sox, it was obvious Jake Peavy was no longer the number one starter for the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale received his first Opening Day start this year, and the left-hander was the ace for the Pale Hose from day one of the 2013 season.
Although he wasn’t the number one hurler on the South Side, Peavy’s role was still very important for the White Sox pitching staff. With his socks switched from White to Red, Peavy’s absence has now opened up the spot as the number two starter in Chicago’s rotation.
John Danks, the oldest member of the White Sox starting staff, figures to be given every opportunity to claim the number two starter role in the final months of the season. However, with Danks still not quite himself due to shoulder surgery a season ago, Jose Quintana is my early frontrunner to become the Sox’ number two.
Quintana has definitely pitched like a top of the rotation starter in 2013. The 24-year-old left-hander has posted a 3.70 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 24 starts. He’s also improved on almost all of his numbers from his 2012 rookie campaign.
The levelheaded Quintana has just six wins this year, however, if it weren’t for his Major League-leading 14 no decisions, he could very easily have 15-plus victories.
With just 46 career starts in MLB, Quintana still has some developing to do. But given the recent departure of Peavy and the White Sox moving toward some type of a rebuild, the time is now for him to make his case to be Chicago’s number two starter.
Matt Malecha is a Chicago White Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google
