Arizona ships infielder east to Pittsburgh for strike-throwing right-hander
On Friday afternoon the Arizona Diamondbacks traded infielder Phil Gosselin to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Frank Duncan. Here’s a quick look at the newest member of the Diamondbacks system
Frank Duncan, RHP: Duncan was drafted by the Pirates in 2014, a 13th round choice from the University of Kansas. He showed excellent control in 2015 with a 111/19 K/BB ratio in 152 innings in High-A, but a 4.32 ERA and 192 hits allowed kept him off most prospect lists. He was less hittable in 2016, posting a 2.34 ERA in 13 innings between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, going 12-8 in 22 starts and five relief outings while posting a 116/36 K/BB with 129 hits allowed.
Duncan is a 6-4, 215 pound right-hander, age 25. He does not throw hard for a right-hander, his fastball topping at 92 and often in the upper-80s. He has a good curveball and change-up, and his ability to pound the lower part of the strike zone worked well in the high minors. The lack of big velocity limits his upside, but he has potential as a Chris Heston or Matt Shoemaker-type strike-throwing sleeper.
Video by Adam Hayes