By DZ. Filed 23 April 2024.
Along with several African players that have contracts in Mexico and Japan, there are three players on the rosters of MLB organizations, headlined by the Astros’ Tayler Scott. In his fourth season in the big leagues — but first on an Opening Day roster — Scott is off to a great start. Meanwhile, two Ugandans in the lower minors return after intriguing campaigns in 2023. Check back for monthly updates on this trio, along with any others that sign.
Key
Name (age*), organization, country, team.
*Age is as of Sept 1, 2024 (playing age this season).
MLB (1)
Tayler Scott (32), Houston Astros. South Africa.
The Johannesburg native made the Houston Astros’ opening day roster, and he is making the most of it. In 10 appearances, Scott has a 2.61 ERA with 12 strikeouts and five walks. He has allowed seven hits and three runs in 10.1 innings. The righty moved to Arizona as a teenager and was drafted out of high school. Houston is the seventh MLB team with which he has appeared in the big leagues since his debut in 2019, not including the team that drafted him (Chicago Cubs, for whom he never played in the majors) or his 2020 stint with the Hiroshima Carp in Japan’s NPB. The right-hander has 56 Ks in 56.1 innings in the big leagues.
Single-A (1)
Ben Serunkuma (22), Los Angeles Dodgers. Uganda. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
The righty enters his third pro season by twirling 1.2 scoreless innings at full-season Rancho Cucamonga. He gave up one hit and struck out three before being reassigned back to extended spring training on Apr. 16. He has 25 appearances and a career 3.44 ERA.
Rookie League (1)
David Matoma (18), Pittsburgh Pirates. Uganda. FCL Pirates.
The youngest of three Ugandan minor leaguers, Matoma had a stellar 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, throwing an eye-popping 16.2 scoreless innings with a 1.14 WHIP and 14 strikeouts. The right-hander even earned four wins in his nine appearances, which included one start. Matoma has yet to appear in 2024.
Released Since the End of the 2023 Season (1)
Umar Male (23), Los Angeles Dodgers. Uganda.
Male played a total of 25 games across two seasons – the first in the Dominican Summer League and last year, when he took 19 at bats in the Arizona Complex League, with one game in Double-A. He finishes his pro career with 67 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 2 SB and a .179/.286/.599 slash line.
