By DZ. Filed 5 June 2025.
It was a busy month for Africans in the U.S. professional ranks. Allen Ajoti hit a home run in his first game of 2025, while Armstrong Muhoozi made his pro debut. David Matoma is pitching leverage innings as a 19-year-old in A-ball, and Tayler Scott adds another team to his resume.
Key
Name (age*), organization, country, team.
*Age is as of Sept 1, 2025 (playing age this season).
Triple-A (1)
Tayler Scott (33), Arizona Diamondbacks. South Africa. Reno Aces.
Scott stuck in the Astros bullpen for the entire 2024 season, a breakout at 32 years old. His 2025 has not been as consistent, resulting in him being designated for assignment on May 14 after 17 games (16.2 IP) with a 5.40 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. After choosing free agency, Scott signed with the Diamondbacks and has two scoreless innings with their Triple-A affiliate without allowing any baserunners.
Low-A (1)
David Matoma (19), Pittsburgh Pirates. Uganda. Bradenton Marauders.
Matoma has 10 appearances with the Single-A Marauders totaling 15 innings. He has allowed 11 hits, seven runs, eight walks, and 16 strikeouts for a 4.20 ERA. He has totalled three holds. The right-handed pitcher from Luweero recorded a few pitches last month at 100 m.p.h.
Rookie League, Dominican Complex Leagues (3)
Allen Ajoti (20), Los Angeles Dodgers. Uganda. DSL LAD Mega.
Ajoti is beginning his first full season with a bang -– in four at bats thus far, he has five RBIs on two extra base hits (a double and a home run), striking out in his two other plate appearances. He is a catcher and hails from Lugazi.
Joseph Deng Thon (18), Los Angeles Dodgers. South Sudan/Uganda. DSL LAD Mega.
Deng has arrived in the Dominican but has not yet appeared in any games.
Armstrong Muhoozi (18), Pittsburgh Pirates. Uganda. DSL Pirates Black.
Muhoozi played his first two career games in the last two days. He will split time between outfield and infield, and has thus far appeared in left and in center. He is still seeking his first hit, striking out 3 times.