SF Giants: José Quintana acquired in waiver claim from Angels

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Jose Quintana #62 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 11-5. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The SF Giants bolstered their starting pitching depth by acquiring left-handed hurler José Quintana in a waiver claim for the Los Angeles Angels. The veteran southpaw signed a one-year, $8 million pact with the Angels in the offseason, so the Giants will assume the remainder of the salary owed.

SF Giants: José Quintana acquired in waiver claim from Angels

In total, Quintana had a rough campaign with the Angels, registering a 6.75 ERA, 4.31 FIP, 1.78 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, and a 2.52 SO/W ratio across 53.1 innings.

The subpar control is mildly surprising for the lefty given that he has posted a healthy 2.6 BB/9 in 10 seasons as a major leaguer.

That said, the southpaw showed some interesting splits as a starter (8.23 ERA) compared to as a reliever (3.93 ERA) in an Angels uniform. The below-average control that had plagued him as a starter in 2021 seemingly improved while working out of the bullpen as he yielded just three free passes in 18.1 innings in relief.

Of course, the Giants could use the extra depth as they placed Tyler Chatwood on waivers on Sunday. This is compounded by the fact that Kevin Gausman and Anthony DeSclafani are battling nagging injuries while Johnny Cueto and Alex Wood were both placed on the COVID-IL on Monday. To put it simply, the Giants need pitching and Quintana checks that box.

Despite his struggles in 2021, the veteran hurler has put together a strong career that includes a 3.83 career ERA to go along with one American League All-Star nod in 2016. Though, Quintana has not finished with an ERA below 4.00 in his last five seasons but he was still a serviceable inning-eater as recently as 2019 when he posted a 4.61 ERA across 171 innings.

The Giants are hoping that Quintana can soak up a few innings over the next five weeks. Given that the Giants invested a considerable sum (approximately $1.3 million) into acquiring Quintana, this is likely more than just a try-out. The rotation needs innings and Quintana can give them that.

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Can he regain the form that once earned him Cy Young votes in 2016? That seems like a long time ago, but the Giants are hoping that he can bounce back and be the pitcher he was in 2019 when he consistently gave the Chicago Cubs a chance to win each time out. If he can do that, the Giants will be satisfied with the investment.

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