Alex Liddi: Italian third baseman Alex Liddi became the second player born in Italy to smack a grand slam in Major League Baseball on Wednesday. Playing left field for the Seattle Mariners he connected during a 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers. It was his third long ball of the season. He is now batting .273/.333/.455 with three homeruns, six runs and seven RBI in 23 games.
Pedro Strop: Since his trade from the Texas Rangers last year, Pedro Strop, who has a Dutch passport, is dominating for the Baltimore Orioles. He even is seeing closer action from time to time. This season he is 3-1 with three saves and an ERA of 1.09 in 20 games. He struck out 21 batters in 24 2/3 innings, walking 12.
Kenley Jansen: Catcher turned pitcher Kenley Jansen has moved into the closer role for the Los Angeles Dodgers a couple of days ago. He replaced Javy Guerra at the end of the bullpen. He has four saves and a win in his last five appearances. Overall he is 3-0 with six saves in eight save opportunities and an ERA of 2.38. He has an impressive 36 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings, walking eight.
Jair Jurrjens: Even though the numbers in the box score don’t show it, starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens is making progress at Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez confirmed on Tuesday that his velocity is improving, topping out at 93 MPH in his last start. They think he is going into the right direction, working hard to get back into the big leagues. In the minors the right-hander has a 2-2 record with an ERA of 6.10 in five starts. He struck out 16 in 31 innings, walking eight.
Shairon Martis: Baseball World Cup winner Shairon Martis started the season in Triple-A, but is in Double-A right now. With Altoona Curve he is splitting time between the bullpen and the rotation. He is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.00 in five games (two starts). He struck out ten and issued seven walks in 18 innings in the Eastern League. He threw five two-hit innings on May 5 and backed it up with six one-hit, one-run frames on May 19.
Sharlon Schoop: Infielder Sharlon Schoop is with the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals in the Texas League. He has a strong season so far. In 32 games he is batting .308/.395/.538 with six homeruns, six doubles, 14 runs and 14 RBI. He has hit safely in nine of the last ten games.
Jonathan Schoop: His brother Jonathan Schoop meanwhile is struggling at the plate in the Eastern League. Playing for the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) he is batting .227/.285/.313 with two homeruns, seven doubles, 14 runs and ten RBI in 38 games. He doesn’t have an extra base hit in the last ten games.