D-backs call up RHP Jon Duplantier, option INF Ildemaro Vargas
Apr 1, 2019, 2:59 PM | Updated: 3:00 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks and the U.S. Team pitcher Jon Duplantier throws during the All-Star Futures baseball game, Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Miami. The U.S. Team won 7-6. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Right-handed pitcher Jon Duplantier, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks system, makes his MLB roster debut after being recalled from Triple-A Reno on Monday. In a corresponding move, the D-backs optioned infielder Ildemaro Vargas to the minors.
Duplantier joins the team as it opens a three-game road series against the San Diego Padres.
Arizona likely makes the move to bring the 24-year-old pitcher out of the bullpen after a grueling four-game series ate away at the arms of the team’s relievers.
D-backs starter Zack Godley lasted the longest of the four starters who have thrown so far this year, going just 5.1 innings in an eventual 18-5 loss Saturday that ended with catcher John Ryan Murphy throwing 2.0 frames.
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Duplantier has yet to pitch with Reno this year and last season was with Double-A Jackson.
In 2018, he went 5-1 in 14 starts for a 2.69 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The 6-foot-4 power pitcher struck out 9.13 batters per nine innings.
The prior season, Duplantier was named MLB Pipeline’s Pitcher of the Year and was named to the first team of Baseball America’s Minor League All-Star Team. His 1.39 ERA between Single-A Kane County and Single-A Visalia was the second-lowest by a minor league pitcher in the last 25 years.
Duplantier was Arizona’s 2016 third-round draft pick out of Rice.
