The Diamondbacks announced today that they have optioned righty Jon Duplantier. He’s evidently slated to start off at Triple-A once the season gets underway.
A consensus top-100 prospect entering 2019, Duplantier was limited by shoulder issues and didn’t perform quite as hoped when healthy. He did make his MLB debut in a swingman capacity, recording a 4.42 ERA with 8.3 K/9 against 4.4 BB/9 in 36 2/3 innings. In 38 Triple-A frames, he managed only a 5.21 ERA.
Duplantier, 25, will need to reach and maintain full health to regain his prior trajectory. He will open the present season as one of the top depth options if a big league need arises; he’ll be jockeying for position with several other young hurlers when the minor-league season gets underway.
The DBACKS are loaded with pitching
doesn’t mean much if the season is cancelled and more than likely the season will be cancelled. MLB cannot afford to have players coming down with the virus.
They must be if they’re dumping this prospect down. MLB, give these kids a chance – every time you sign a veteran for millions plus it seems like 75% go down.
This is an important year for Dup. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and log 135-150 innings between AAA Reno and the Dbacks. He’ll get his chances. Every team needs 10-12 starters each year, and Duplantier is #7 or #8 on the depth chart depending on the circumstances of the need. But next year needs to be the year he establishes himself. 4 of the 6 starters this year will be back next year—Bumgarner, Gallen, Weaver and Merrill Kelly—so Dup needs to be the 5th starter next year, otherwise he will be passed up by the young prospects who will be knocking on the door in 2022.
I would say if he can get and stay healthy he still has huge potential/upside. He’s a guy who didn’t just perform well in the minors (prior to 2019) he dominated the minor leagues. (ERA below 2 and 165Ks in 135 IP) — so if he can regain his pre-injury form… he’s a guy to keep an eye on as someone who could really emerge as top arm either in the rotation or even bullpen at some point in 2020.
His last name gives me a headache.
Duplantier classic Pitcher,s build broad shoulders.powerful thick legs. Think his 135 ip is his high water mark in minors.Does not have the pure velo of Roger Clemons but has that classic power pitchers build.and has great late life to his pitches.Has crazy long arm slot that reminds me of a righthanded Madbum.adds great deception.spotty command.IE spring 2020.Electric low to mid 90,FB velo reminds me of Max Scherzer who started out a D-back and team gave up on too quickly over violent delivery and long term durability concerns.At 25 years of age not the youngest pitching prospect don’t let Duplantier be another Scherzer be patient a little longer please!
A lot to like about Dup. As pointed out previously, in 2020 he needs to stay healthy and build up his innings. Lets give him every opportunity as a starter for the next two years. Move to the pen, where he could develop into a huge asset, if he cannot establish himself in the rotation.
This means they are determined to keep him as a starter.