Quintana ‘trying to be ready’ after suffering a stress fracture in rib

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets came into spring training with eight starting pitchers knowing that all eight would likely be needed at some point throughout the season. That depth is already being tested.

Imaging revealed a small stress fracture in the fifth rib of left-hander Jose Quintana on Monday and the Colombian hurler will be taken back to New York for more imaging. A timeline for his return was not provided, with the Mets saying they would update the situation “when appropriate.”

Quintana’s second Grapefruit League appearance was cut short on Sunday after the 34-year-old veteran felt tightness on his left side. The Mets removed him from the game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter and sent him back to Port St. Lucie for further examinations.

Later in the day, Quintana withdrew from the upcoming World Baseball Classic, making an announcement on Instagram. Quintana had been set to join the Colombian team in Phoenix this week. It’s a disappointing turn of events for Quintana, who had previously talked about how excited he was to represent his country in the event for the second time.

“As a professional, I am aware that without health this is not possible,” Quintana said in the social media post. “From the distance, I send the best of energies to the boys.”

Quintana also said he is “trying to be ready” for the start of the 2023 season, which begins March 30 in Miami against the Marlins.

However, it seems unlikely he will be ready by the end of the month. Quintana has a history of durability with only three injured list stints in his 11-year career.