Quintana’s shaky first dooms Cubs
SAN FRANCISCO — Lefthander Jose Quintana looked like a big answer for the Cubs’ chances to return to the playoffs when they acquired him from the White Sox in a trade at the All- Star break.
But big first innings in his last two starts have raised at least a few questions about him.
Maybe the rain delay last week played a role in the two home runs he allowed in a four- run first against the Diamondbacks. Maybe an overzealous fan reaching over the leftfield wall Tuesday played a role in the three- run homer he allowed in the first to the Giants’ Buster Posey.
Regardless, the Cubs have lost Quintana’s last three starts after falling 6- 3 to the Giants at AT& T Park, the last two after yielding a combined seven first- inning runs.
This one involved a video review after Posey’s shot was touched by a fan. The call was confirmed after officials determined the ball was touched behind the wall.
Giants left- hander Ty Blach ( 8- 7) made it hold up by limiting the Cubs to two runs in seven innings.
As he did last week against the Diamondbacks, Quintana ( 2- 2) settled down quickly after the early scoring. After following the Posey homer with a walk, Quintana retired the next nine batters he faced. But it was too little, too late.
After the game, Maddon said he was more disappointed with the sloppy fielding, which included a first- inning error by shortstop Javy Baez that made one run unearned.
‘‘ We’re playing like that .500 team we were in the first half,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘ And I don’t like it.’’
Of more potential concern than Quintana was the health of reliever Koji Uehara, who left with a stiff neck after facing only two batters.
‘‘ We’ll check into it a little bit more,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘ From the first pitch, I knew something was wrong.’’
Mad don said relieve r Hector Rondon has been unavailable the last two games because of a stiff back.