In addition to the Rice baseball alums in the Major Leagues, Owls are playing professional baseball around the world. Here’s the latest from Mexico and Japan.
Jon Duplantier – Hanshin Tigers (Japan)
Duplantier signed a minor league contract with the Brewers this winter, but was granted his release soon after so that he could pursue an opportunity in Japan. The bet to go oversees has worked out extremely well for Duplantier thus far. In four appearances with the Hanshin Tigers, Duplantier is 1-1 with a sterling 1.23 ERA. He’s struck out 28 batters and allowed just 15 hits in 22 innings of work.
In (Nippon Professional Baseball) NPB, pitchers are required to hit, something Duplantier rarely did in the states. He has two official big league plate appearances without a hit. In Japan, however, Duplantier is 1-for-6, collecting his very first pro-baseball knock.
ジョン・デュプランティエ Filthy 137キロカーブ😨
— tanaka13ver2025 (@tanaka13ver2021) April 3, 2025
ほぼほぼスライダーの球速だがリリースはカーブ
しっかりトップスピンのかかった強い下り変化で
バットを躱す
NPB初登板は6回8奪三振1失点の好投 pic.twitter.com/sDeyOePcH8
Through May 12, Duplantier has a 1.23 ERA with a 0.863 WHIP. He’s averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
Tyler Duffey– Generales de Durango (Mexico)
A free agent, Duffey opted to play in Mexico following 10 seasons in the major leagues, most recently splitting his 2024 season in between AAA and the Kansas City Royals. He signed with Generales de Durango this offseason.
Duffey has made 11 appearances with the club so far, all in relief. He’s struck out 12 while handing out just seven free passes and while he has yet to allow a home run, several of the men he’s allowed to reach base have come around to score.
8️⃣🔻 TYLER DUFFEY CUELGA EL CERO PROPINANDO CHOCOLATITO CALIENTE Y ESPUMOSO 🍫🔥🔥#𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚́𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐝𝐞🔥
— Caliente de Durango (@calienteddgo) April 30, 2025
#CienAñosSiendoElRey👑 pic.twitter.com/kZXQaPCBN4
Through May 12, Duffey has a 5.06 ERA with a 1.594 WHIP. He’s averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
