The Atlanta Braves seem to have a knack for making history over this past week. First, they participated in the first baseball game on a military base on July 3rd. They followed that up by being part of the first pitching match-up to feature two Colombian born players. In the history of Major League Baseball, there have only been 19 players born in Colombia. Out of the 19 who have played, only eight of them have been pitchers.
On July 9th, the Atlanta Braves sent two-time All-Star Julio Teheran to the mound to face off against Chicago White Sox starting pitcher and first time All-Star, Jose Quintana in the Windy City. Although Colombia won today regardless of the outcome, Quintana bested Teheran, going 6 innings and giving up four runs on five hits. Teheran finished with the loss going 6 innings and giving up 5 runs on 9 hits. This match-up was just the second of three for the Braves against the White Sox in the Windy City.
Julio Teheran and Jose Quintana Make History
Teheran, a 25-year old right hander out of Cartagena, Colombia, made his 17th start of the season on Saturday. He entered the game with a 3-7 record and 2.72 ERA in 112 2/3 innings pitched. Teheran missed his last scheduled start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to a thigh infection. This was his first start since being selected to his second All-Star Game. Teheran was just the second Colombian to be selected to an All-Star game, following former Brave Edgar Renteria. Quintana became the third when he was selected after his start on Saturday.
The Braves signed Teheran as an undrafted free agent in July 2007 at the age of 16. He made his MLB debut with the Braves on May 7th, 2011 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Teheran has complied a 43-37 record with a 3.33 ERA in his career.
Jose Quintana
Jose Quintana is a 27-year old left handed pitcher from Colombia. On Saturday, he made his 17th start of the season entering with a 3-6 record and a 3.06 ERA. It was later announced that he had been selected to participate in his first MLB All-Star Game this week in San Diego.
In an article by the Associated Press, Quintana stated,”I think Colombia won today.” He also had great things to say about his adversary and friend, Julio Teheran. “Teheran is my friend and we have a good relationship. Facing him at this level, that’s good for the country.”
Quintana was originally signed by the New York Mets as an international free agent prior to the 2006 season. He was signed by the White Sox during the 2011-2012 off-season following minor league stints with the Mets and Yankees. He made his MLB debut on May 7th, 2012 with the White Sox. In his career he has a 39-42 record with a 3.41 ERA in 139 games started.
Following the All-Star break, the Braves will return to Atlanta to face the Colorado Rockies, while the White Sox will travel to Anaheim to face the Los Angeles Angels.
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