Arizona's top pitching prospect Jon Duplantier sent to Triple A

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Friday that they have optioned right-hander 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 last season, 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.