Feb 16, 2023; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-New York Mets Workouts
(New York, NY) — The Mets have some good news on a key pitcher.
José Quintana (ribs) has gotten the clearance needed to begin throwing from a mound on Saturday. He underwent bone graft surgery on his ribs in March, but after follow-up CT scans, he’s been cleared to begin ramping things up.
“It’s time to get ready for baseball,” the lefty said on Friday.
The southpaw’s return seems within a July timetable. The 34-year-old has yet to pitch this season but enjoyed a big bounce-back season in 2022. Quintana posted a 2.93 ERA/2.99 FIP in 32 starts between the Pirates and Cardinals last season before landing with the Mets on a two-year, $26 million deal during the offseason.
Even with Quintana yet to make his Mets debut, the team has used nine different starting pitchers this year, the third most in baseball.
“He looks good and is progressing well,” manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s meeting all the criteria for each part of the rehab… he’s right where he needs to be.”
Quintana will take likely the spot of David Peterson, who has allowed 35 runs in 39 innings this season.
The Mets enter play Friday with a 22-23 record, six games behind the Atlanta Braves.
