As the Milwaukee Brewers continue to produce historic results, Jose Quintana is tasked with Sunday’s start, the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
Quintana has a 3.18 ERA across his three starts this month, including a six-inning, one-run outing against the Pirates his last time out. One of the most notable adjustments in Quintana’s profile recently is his improved walk rate. Over 10 starts from April 27 to July 9, he walked 11.2% of the batters he faced. His most recent five starts have seen that number improve to a 4.3% mark. He hasn’t been as consistent in limiting hard contact, surrendering at least one home run in those five games. His contributions haven’t been elite, but he often provides at least five innings of solid work.
Andrew Abbott, the 26-year-old lefty, is the Reds starter. His resume this season has been incredible, pitching to a 2.41 ERA over his 21 starts. Abbott has struggled in his two most recent starts, though, allowing seven earned runs over 14 1/3 innings. Abbott isn’t reliant on strikeouts. Combine that with Milwaukee’s stingy plate approach, and we should see a lot of balls in play today.
After his big game last night, Andruw Monasterio takes the leadoff spot for today’s action. He’ll be joined in the infield by Caleb Durbin, Joey Ortiz, and Andrew Vaughn.
Christian Yelich starts in left field for the first time since August 5. Blake Perkins is back in center field after being reinstated from the bereavement list (with Steward Berroa optioned back to Triple-A Nashville). Brandon Lockridge will be the right fielder.
The Brewers are offering William Contreras a break from behind the dish as he slots in at designated hitter. That gives Danny Jansen the start at catcher.
First pitch is at 12:40 p.m., back on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.