Updated Post – March 13 at 3:05 PM

The New York Mets announced on Wednesday that veteran left-hander José Quintana would get the start on Opening Day. The Mets are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers on March 28 for 2024 Opening Day, with  first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.

Quintana is the first left-hander to get the Mets’ Opening Day nod since Jon Niese in 2013.

Original Post – March 13 at 11:00 AM

Working to solidify his case for the Mets’ Opening Day starter, Jose Quintana impressed again in Tuesday’s spring training game against the Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches park on Tuesday evening.

The right hander threw four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk, and recording two strikeouts. Following another great outing, Quintana’s ERA stands at 2.08 in Grapefruit League play. He has thrown 8.2 innings with nine strikeouts and just two earned runs (2.08 ERA).

Photo by Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m excited with how I threw the ball today,” Quintana said after the game, noting his tempo and ability to throw first-pitch strikes. Everything “feels great.”

His performance is reflective of the rotation as a whole, as well. The team now has a 2.64 ERA in the spring—nearly a full run lower than the next team. (Playing the Nats and Marlins often helps.) “We’re doing a really good job,” Quintana said of the rotation. “Keep it going. I know it’s just spring training, but it’s a great feeling to start the right way before the season.” He might be leading that rotation for the first couple months of the season with Kodai Senga‘s injury.

Outside of Tylor Megill and Joey Lucchesi, Quintana has the most experience in the organization starting for the big league Mets. Lucchesi—who just made his first spring appearance after Quintana—won’t be ready for a full start Opening Day, and Megill—who has experience starting Opening Day for the Mets in 2022—could be an alternative. But Quintana is the veteran, and he’s looked good in spring. He could also pitch again Sunday, then 22nd, then be ready for Opening Day on the 28th.

If Quintana starts Opening Day, it will be the team’s fourth Opening Day starter in as many years. The Mets are 14-4 in their last 18 Opening Days and have the best Opening Day winning percentage in MLB history at 41-21 (.661).