Scottsdale, AZ
Jon Duplantier is the top prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system, and he is looking forward to facing his Arizona Fall League teammates in the big leagues.
Drafted by the Diamondbacks in the third round out of Rice University in 2016, Duplantier impressed in his first full season of pro ball the following year. The right-hander finished 2017 with a 1.39 ERA between both between Class A Kane County and High A Visalia – the lowest mark in the minors since Justin Verlander’s 1.29 back in 2005, when Duplantier was…eleven.
This season, the prospect was sidelined by right bicep tendinitis, not the first time an arm issue has plagued the pitcher. He threw just one inning the summer he was drafted, thanks to an elbow problem, and missed most of his sophomore season at Rice due to shoulder issues.
Duplantier was healthy in the Arizona Fall League. He was named AFL Pitcher of the Week honors last week after striking out nine – tied for most in the Fall League this season – in 4 2/3 strong innings against Scottsdale on Nov. 6. He followed that with five strikeouts in four scoreless innings in his final outing with the Salt River Rafters and ends his 2018 AFL with eight earned runs in 21 2/3 innings (3.32 ERA) through his six starts.
Ally caught up with Jon Duplantier the day after his final start of the fall. Watch the interview to learn what was going through his mind when he wore the big league jersey for the first time, playing with prospects from a division rival, and his top picks for places to eat when you’re in Arizona. Looking at you, ATL Wings.
Sideline Sass 