Cubs’ and the three reasons they need to keep Jose Quintana

Chicago Cubs: “Q” is a suitable replacement amid Chatwood uncertainty

Tyler Chatwood had been a big bright spot for the Cubs in the early going.

Chatwood opened the year with wins against the Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively, allowing just one run and striking out 19 in 12 2/3 innings of work.

But the right-hander suffered a clunker in his third start against the Kansas City Royals, and now his status is uncertain.

Chatwood’s timetable for return is unknown after he was sent to see a back specialist, opening up a hole in Chicago’s rotation. Naturally, the veteran Quintana–who himself is on the verge of returning from injury–figures to take Chatwood’s spot.

Only, there is a real chance he might need to stay in the rotation long-term.

Perhaps Chatwood’s back ailment is nothing but a blip on the radar. Alternatively, back issues are often among the most burdensome in sports, and the Cubs may have to assess his status on a week-to-week basis.

Either way, Quintana’s presence in the rotation would give David Ross some more confidence in the event Chatwood is still hurting after his IL stint.