Jose Quintana to start on Sunday
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com September 29, 2012 12:14AM
Chicago White Sox Vs Tampa Bay Rays. 4Th-inning White Sox No.51 Alex Rios homers on a line drive to left field. I Scott Stewart~Sun-Times
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RAYS AT SOX
The facts: 3:05 p.m., Fox-32, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.
The starters: Matt Moore (11-10, 3.92 ERA) vs. Chris Sale (17-7, 2.86).
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Updated: October 30, 2012 6:13AM
Rookie left-hander Jose Quintana will pitch the home finale Sunday against the Rays, but the starters for the White Sox’ last three games against the Indians are still to be decided. Quintana, 23, will face Rays ace David Price.
‘‘We never expected [Quintana] in spring training to be in the rotation at all,’’ manager Robin Ventura said.
His last start was Sept. 22 against the Angels in Anaheim. He worked five innings, giving up four runs and six hits in taking the 4-2 loss. He also was the starter Sept. 17 in the makeup game against the Tigers, going four innings and giving up four runs in the game the Sox came back to win 5-4.
That victory gave the Sox a three-game lead, which disappeared in a week.
‘‘Q has been in some big spots,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘You wouldn’t have expected in spring training he would pitch that [makeup game] against Detroit.’’
The team’s pitching options were Quintana or Hector Santiago in place of lefty Francisco Liriano, who’s being skipped after pitching poorly in his last start against the Indians.
Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd would be available for Tuesday and Wednesday, but Monday’s starter could be Liriano.
Trying too hard
Alexei Ramirez is having a good year statistically. His 71 RBI entering Friday’s game are the most among American League shortstops. But, like many of his teammates, he has struggled on the homestand, going 2-for-14 before Friday.
‘‘This is one of the worst years I’ve had,’’ Ramirez said Friday. ‘‘Even though the numbers are the same [as past seasons], it’s more that I believe I can do better than I have, and that’s why I’m disappointed.’’
Ramirez thinks he has been pressing at times at the plate with men on base.
‘‘I can’t speak for the rest of the guys,’’ Ramirez said, ‘‘but I do get a little anxious wanting to help the team. That’s something I have to control a little more.’’
National focus
The game Saturday against the Rays will be on Fox and start at 3:05. The game originally was scheduled for 6:05.
