MLB's 1st South African pitcher claimed by O's

June 25th, 2019

SEATTLE -- Tayler Scott, who became the first South African to pitch in the Major Leagues earlier this month with the Mariners, was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday and the Mariners tried to pass him through waivers to open a spot on their 40-man roster, but he’ll instead now join his fourth organization since being drafted by the Cubs in the fifth round in 2011.

Scott grew up in South Africa, but attended high school in Arizona. He and utility man Gift Ngoepe, who currently is competing for the Phillies’ Triple-A club, are the only South African-born players who’ve reached the Majors.

Scott made his MLB debut June 8 for Seattle and wound up appearing in five games, including making two starts as an opener. He posted a 9.39 ERA while allowing eight earned runs with six walks and seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

While featuring a mid-90s fastball, command was an issue for Scott and the Mariners optioned him back to Tacoma after he gave up two runs and walked three while getting just two outs in his second attempt at an opening role.

Scott was 3-2 with one save and a 6.43 ERA in 20 relief appearances with Tacoma, with 47 strikeouts and 19 walks in 35 innings since signing last winter as a Minor League free agent.

He has also spent time in the Cubs, Brewers and Rangers’ organizations and is 40-36 with nine saves and a 3.95 ERA in 235 Minor League appearances, including 66 starts.

The Mariners' 40-man roster is now at 39.