D-backs recall Jon Duplantier, designate Matt Koch for assignment

The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled right-handed pitcher Jon Duplantier from Triple-A Reno on Sunday, designating fellow righty Matt Koch for assignment.

The move signals Duplantier’s second stint with the ball club this season.

In two appearances as a reliever, the pitcher tossed four scoreless innings, earning a three-inning save on April 1 against the San Diego Padres, while striking out three batters over the two-game span.

As a starting pitcher with the Triple-A Reno Aces, Duplantier has gone 0-1 with a 1.04 ERA with 10 strikeouts.

The decision to recall Duplantier and designate Koch for assignment comes following a 9-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs Saturday night. The defeat snapped a five-game winning streak for Arizona.

In the loss, Koch gave up four runs in 4.1 innings, allowing eight hits and striking out four in relief for starting pitcher Zack Godley. He also hit David Bote in the seventh inning, resulting in the benches clearing. Bote had already hit two home runs in the game.

“This isn’t old-school baseball. We don’t play that here,” manager Torey Lovullo said after the game. “Just because somebody hits two home runs, we do not throw at batters. He hit two home runs, he deserved to hit two home runs, he took advantage of some pitches, and you know, if we’re going to make a mistake, he’s going to hit a third.

In nine relief appearances this season, Koch posted a 9.15 ERA (21 earned runs in 20.2 innings pitched) with nine strikeouts and four walks.

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