CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs found the pitching help they were looking for just a few miles from Wrigley Field. They hope it will give the scuffling team the kick it needs.

The defending World Series champions acquired left-handed ace Jose Quintana from the White Sox on Thursday in a major trade between crosstown rivals that could shake up the NL Central race.

By landing the 2016 All-Star, the Cubs made it clear they’re not giving up on a difficult season after arriving at the break two games under .500. They also added a pitcher who figures to be a key piece in the rotation for at least the next few years.

“We had a bad first half,” Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. “We did. We own that. We know we can do better.”

The Cubs trail Milwaukee by 51/2 games in the division after ending a 108-year championship drought last fall.

They believe they are set up to contend for years to come with stars such as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

By trading for Quintana, they brought in an elite starter who is under club control through 2020. They had to give up two top prospects in outfielder Eloy Jimenez and right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, along with minor league infielders Matt Rose and Bryant Flete.

Quintana has pitched better lately after a slow start and is 4-8 with a 4.49 ERA in 18 starts this season. He won a career-high 13 games last season with a personal-best 3.20 ERA.

WHITE SOX: Reliever Nate Jones has undergone season-ending arm surgery.

Sidelined since April 28 because of inflammation in his right elbow, Jones experienced discomfort during a throwing session last week.

Jones is expected to make a full recovery by the start of spring training.

RAYS: Tampa Bay placed injured outfielder Colby Rasmus on the restricted list after the player’s decision to ‘step away from baseball.’

The team did not provide specifics Thursday, instead saying in a brief statement that the club fully supports Rasmus’ decision.

Rasmus, who signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent last winter, had been on the 10-day disabled list since June 23 because of left hip tendinitis. He has played in only 37 games this season, batting .281 with nine homers and 23 RBI.

BREWERS-YANKEES: Milwaukee acquired left-handed reliever Tyler Webb from the New York Yankees for minor league first baseman Garrett Cooper.

Webb had a 4.50 ERA in seven appearances with the Yankees after making his big league debut on June 24. He turns 27 next week.

Cooper, 26, was having a breakout season at Triple-A Colorado Springs, batting .366 with 17 homers and 82 RBI. He’ll be assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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