ATHLETICS 8, SOX 2

Quintana to start opener

Manager Rick Renteria announced left- hander Jose Quintana will start April 3 against the Tigers.

Quintana was “surprised’’ by the decision.

“Well, if they don’t tell you, you don’t know,’’ a smiling Quintana said. “I say, ‘ Thank you, White Sox organization, for giving me this opportunity for my first Opening Day.’ ” Quintana will join Julio

Teheran ( Braves, 2014- 16) as the only Colombians to start Opening Day.

They’re back

Closer David Robertson and Nate Jones were back after celebrating their World Baseball Classic championship with Team USA.

Robertson was surprised to get the ball in the ninth inning with an 8- 0 lead against Puerto Rico in the title game.

“We didn’t think we were going to win,’’ Robertson said. “Shoot, we took two losses and still managed to win that thing.’’

Jones was holding his gold medal in his pants pocket.

“I don’t want to stow it away or put it in a safe box just yet,’’ he said. “I want to keep it on me.’’

Bullpen beatdown

Reliever Zach Putnam, who started for Carlos Rodon, didn’t make it out of the first inning after allowing five runs, three hits and two walks while recording only one out. Putnam has given up 10 runs in 5⅓ innings. Relievers Jake Petricka, Matt Purke and Jace Fry had rough outings.

Sox relievers have allowed 15 hits and eight walks. Anthony Swarzak, fighting for a roster spot, was the lone bright spot with five strikeouts in 2⅓ scoreless innings.

On deck

Sox at Indians, Goodyear, 3: 05 p. m., CSN+, Dylan Covey vs. Josh Tomlin.