Mets Officially Name Opening Day Starting Pitcher

The New York Mets still have a couple of weeks of Spring Training left in Florida before the real action begins on Mar. 28 against the Milwaukee Brewers. 

New York won’t have ace Kodai Senga when Opening Day arrives as he’s dealing with a shoulder strain injury. Therefore, the Mets will give the ball to veteran starting pitcher Jose Quintana on Opening Day.

The 35-year-old Quintana is having an excellent Spring Training for the Mets, posting a 2.08 ERA and a 3-1 record in three starts. The southpaw pitcher has allowed eight hits, four walks, and two earned runs but struck out nine batters in 8.2 innings of work.

The veteran starting pitcher was only limited to 13 games in his first season with the Mets in 2023. Quintana missed some time with a rib injury and didn’t make his 2023 debut until last July against the Chicago White Sox.

Despite missing the first few months of the season, Quintana still turned in a 3-6 record and an ERA of 3.57 ERA. The 35-year-old left-handed pitcher recorded 60 strikeouts in 75.2 innings while only giving up 30 earned runs, 24 walks, and five home runs.

The Mets are considered a long shot to win the NL East (+1000 on FanDuel Sportsbook) this season, but fans hope they can get off to a good start on Opening Day with Quintana.

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