WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL A

March 5, 2026

Jose Quintana

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Team Colombia

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. After two games preparing for the Puerto Rican team, what have you seen from the offense, who were played Boston yesterday?

JOSE QUINTANA: It's a really good team. Puerto Rico is characterized as having a good offense, but more than that, their temperament and the charisma that the team has is very special. I've had a chance of playing with a lot of them. Yes, they're a great team.

As to us, we're more focused right now in my role and in the role of the team. But with all respect towards Puerto Rico.

Q. You as a pitcher but also as an analyst, what were you able to gather from your team in these exhibition teams, where that should be corrected when facing the real games tomorrow?

JOSE QUINTANA: These are games that you need to be prepared. Some of the guys were looking for their rhythm, and I think that starting tomorrow the real competition starts, as it should, and we're focused on that, and we know a few things that we need to do out in the field. That's what these days are for.

We're happy, and we're fine. We're very happy to have this chance, and we're ready and focused to get onto the field.

Q. Your manager has characterized this game with Puerto Rico as decisive because of how complicated the group is for everyone, not only for Colombia. Is that the way you see it? Do you assume that responsibility?

JOSE QUINTANA: Of course. I think that every team is a final, and every play, every pitch is really important, especially in short competitions. What we're going to live through tomorrow is something that's extremely important for us, and we're taking it with the seriousness it deserves. We're focused on that.

The first game for us is the most important one, and we want to start playing ball well.

Q. The manager Mosquera was saying that the players that Puerto Rico has lost, even though there's this younger roster, there are a lot of rookies. That was one of the reasons they chose you for the pitcher, your experience what are your plans? How important is it that you be given that first ball?

JOSE QUINTANA: Well, it's an honor. It's very important for me to represent my country more than anything in the first game. I believe that the first one is one of the most important ones because it starts to -- it sets the pace for the game, the group.

Yes, as to Puerto Rico, they're still a very good team. We know that they have lost a few players, but it is a good team.

I think that for us right now we're focused on our work, on doing things, and on my part to play as best as I can and to put our team in a position to be able to win. That is my focus right now.

Q. Knowing that Puerto Rico is missing key offensive players, does that change your approach to that lineup? How much does experience help you in coming out for a tough game like tomorrow?

JOSE QUINTANA: Well, I have prepared a lot for this moment to get -- I got the chance for a second time in the Classic, it's very important to be able to play it here in the Caribbean against Puerto Rico in their house. That is very special, especially to me at this point in my career.

It's been very special that -- it would have been great if Puerto Rico would have been complete. It would have been a lot nicer, especially for the island, but that's how things go.

I believe it's going to be a good show. I believe that we're still doing our own thing, and we're going to do things right, and we hope things will go on to our side.

Q. Physically, how are you to pitch tomorrow's game? Have the people in Milwaukee told you anything? What do they expect to see from you? Or are you fully ready to throw 65 pitches?

JOSE QUINTANA: I feel excellent. I feel really happy. As I said, I've prepared a lot for this moment. Yes, I do have a pitch limit, and I will be focused on moving the game along as much as I can. That is the goal.

The Rockies have given me the support to do my own thing. So that has always been my focus. I am dedicated to doing my own thing, and this is a chance that is very special that doesn't come twice. So we're all taking it very seriously, all the guys.