by DZ
All current African MAJOR & minor leaguers hail from South Africa.
Gift Ngoepe, Pittsburgh Pirates.
Current team: Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
The 27-year-old has solidified his hold on a bench role with the Pirates. He’s receiving 2-3 starts per week, and appearing in several games as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch runner. He scored the game-tying run Saturday in the bottom of the 9th inning. In 25 games in MLB, Ngoepe has 52 at bats and is hitting .231/.333/.308. He has primarily played second base, but also appeared at shortstop and third base.
Dylan Unsworth, Seattle Mariners.
Current team: Arkansas Travelers (AA)
The 24-year old from Durban had a “stopper” outing for himself earlier this week, pitching 7.1 innings while allowing one run and striking out six. He’d hit a rough patch (by his standards) the previous four starts, allowing 4-5 runs and 6-10 hits. Even in these games, he lasted into the 6th or 7th inning. Unsworth has 10 walks and 37 strikeouts in 49.2 innings pitched.
Anthony Phillips, Colorado Rockies.
Current team: Hartford Yard Goats (AA)
Phillips has now been called upon, playing 13 games in the last two weeks after the month of April listed as “active” but not playing. While getting 8 hits in those 13 games, 3 of them were home runs, making the power jump off the page at .205/.279/.436. This isn’t a new development, as Phillips does have 36 home runs in his minor league career.
Taylor Scott, Milwaukee Brewers.
Current team: Biloxi Shuckers (AA)
Relieving for the Brewers’ Double-A team, Scott has recorded 5 decisions in his last 10 outings (2 wins and 3 losses). In 20 games (29 innings) on the year, he is 3-4 with a 2.48 ERA. The 24-year-old has 16 walks and 37 strikeouts.
Kieran Lovegrove. Cleveland Indians.
Current team: Lynchburg Hillcats (High-A)
Lovegrove has 15 strikeouts against 3 walks in his last 10 outings. He just issued his first walk in weeks on the 23rd. The 22-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA.
Now in Extended Spring Training in Florida until the rookie league seasons begin in June:
Vince Deyzel, Pittsburgh Pirates.
Current team: GCL Pirates (rookie)
Victor Ngoepe, Pittsburgh Pirates.
Current team: GCL Pirates (rookie)
Callan Pearce, Minnesota Twins.
Current team: GCL Twins (rookie)