All three active MLB Owls saw action with their big league clubs this week. Here’s the latest on the Rice Baseball alums in the pros.
Tyler Duffey was the only former Rice baseball player to make his debut in his team’s opening series. Since then, both Anthony Rendon and Brock Holt have made their 2020 debuts, each with a new team.
Jon Duplantier is in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ player pool but is currently rehabbing. There hasn’t been a clear indication yet as to when he might rejoin the team.
Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
It’s been a slower start for Rendon and the Angels. Rendon sent his first hit with Los Angeles over the fence for a home run, but it took him 14 games before his first multi-hit game. He accomplished that feat 55 times last season.
That hasn’t kept him from maintaining his usual sure-handedness in the field. Check out this slide grab on a Daniel Vogelbach foul ball.
Holy moly, Anthony Rendon. pic.twitter.com/RbhzhTA7Cr
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) August 6, 2020
Through August 12, Rendon is hitting .180 with five extra-base hits, 17 walks and 13 strikeouts. His OPS is .846.
Tyler Duffey – Minnesota Twins
It’s been all roses for Tyler Duffey this season. He’s kept his streak of seamless outings alive, and has yet to allow a run in any of his five appearances this season. A Fangraphs piece on his stellar start summed it up quite nicely: “By pretty much any conceivable measure, he’s the best reliever in baseball so far this year.” Not bad Mr. Duffey, not bad.
Through August 12, Duffey has a perfect 0.00 ERA. He’s averaging 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
Brock Holt – Milwaukee Brewers
Like Rendon, it took Holt a while to get things going with the bat with his new club. Holt picked up his first hit with the Brewers on August 7. His first RBI came a day later on August 8. So far, he’s started and finished just three of the eight games he’s appeared in.
Through August 12, Holt has two hits in 18 at bats. He has three walks, a hit-by-pitch and eight strikeouts.
