The Cubs have stressed the importance of throwing first-pitch strikes to Quintana, and he listened, getting a win over the Padres his last time out. Against the Royals, Quintana is 3-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 24 career starts.
Fillmyer went three innings against the Twins before a 91-minute delay forced the Royals to turn to their bullpen on Friday. Fillmyer has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his three starts since joining the rotation.