SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jose Quintana is leaving the White Sox today. Not for another major-league team, but for the World Baseball Classic to pitch for Colombia.

For Quintana and his wife, who are from Colombia, and their families, this is a pretty big deal.

“They’re excited for this tournament,” Quintana said. “They ask me every day how I feel. ‘How was your day?’ We have a lot of friends going to Miami and watch the games. It will be a good time.”

Quintana, who has assumed the role of staff ace now that Chris Sale is gone, has worked ahead of schedule to be ready to face Team USA on Friday.

How he feels is of super importance to the White Sox, who are trusting he doesn’t get overworked or push too hard this early.

A 65-pitch limit in accordance with WBC first-round rules comes as some comfort to Sox management, who also view Quintana as their most valuable trade chip.

“The WBC has a lot of energy,” said White Sox manager Rick Renteria, who managed Team Mexico in 2013, a team that was involved in a brawl with Canada. “When they’re in there competing they’re intent on having success.”

As will starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez, who is from Guadalajara and will pitch for Mexico about an hour away at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco.

Gonzalez expects a friends-and-family cheering section of more than 100 to watch him pitch, most likely in Mexico’s second game, he said.

“On my dad’s side of the family there’s 16 brothers and sisters, and my mom’s side, there’s seven,” Gonzalez said. “There’s definitely going to be cousins, friends and family there for sure.”

Gonzalez and Quintana pitched simulated games Friday. David Robertson and Nate Jones, who are pitching for the U.S. team, each worked a scoreless inning in Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Kopech scratched:

Prospect Michael Kopech, who gave up a home run and allowed 4 runs in his spring debut last week, was slated to pitch in relief Sunday but will instead throw in a simulated game Tuesday along with veteran Derek Holland.

Kopech, who touched 101 mph in his outing, wasn’t sharp with command and will focus on specifics with pitching coach Don Cooper.

“We have to get him stretched out in a controlled setting and get him specific work, like say, ‘let’s work on fastball arm side or changeups this inning,’ ” Cooper said.

Manager Rick Renteria said he expected Kopech to get another start this spring.

“He didn’t throw bad,” Renteria said. “Actually the numbers I thought were worse than the showing. We can get his breaking ball down.

“He was wanting to bury breaking balls to finish the hitters in that particular outing. That’s the one that led to a 3-run homer (to Mitch Haniger).”

This and that:

Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon threw his second bullpen in three days and will throw live batting practice Wednesday. … Outfielder Charlie Tilson (foot) is jogging but still hasn’t begun any high-intensity work.

• This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For related coverage, check chicago.suntimes.com.