Ex-Met Jose Quintana’s Citi Field return with Brewers was ‘intense’

The Mets faced a familiar foe on the mound Thursday night. 

José Quintana returned to the field he called home for the past two years, this time in a Brewers uniform. 

The Mets were able to get to their former teammate and take the series, winning 3-2. 

Quintana pitched 5 ¹/₃ innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits over 80 pitches. 

When reminiscing about his time as a Met, Quintana gave one word to describe his time at Citi Field. 

“Intense,” Quintana said. “You know you have to do the best all of the time. If not, the fans will let you know.” 

Even though the intensity always was high, he still had an “awesome time” as a Met. 

Last year for the Mets, Quintana went 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. 

After the 2024 season, the Mets allowed Quintana to walk in free agency, and he ultimately signed with the Brewers. 

Quintana, 36, has been reliable for the Brew Crew so far this year. He entered the contest against the Mets at 6-2 with a 3.30 ERA. 

Even though he was pitching for the opposing team, Met fans appeared to have no hard feelings. When he entered and exited the game, many fans clapped for the former Met. 

“That was pretty good,” Quintana said. “I have really good memories here the last two years, so it was a great time.” 

The Brewers have a knack for bringing in pitchers and turning them into lethal starters. They have done the same with starter Quinn Priester, who already had bounced around with the Pirates and Red Sox before landing with the Brewers and is having the best season of his career. 

Meanwhile, homegrown youngster Jacob Misiorowski could be their next success story. 

Quintana has fit right into that mold with the Brewers as well. Manager Pat Murphy said Thursday’s was one of his best starts this season. 

“He was great,” Murphy said. “It’s the best outing I’ve seen him have probably since I was on the other side of the field.”