Murillo Gouvea - photo credit: Grand Old Game Blog
Here is a rundown of the Brazilians currently playing pro ball in the U.S. leagues:
Yan Gomes, C/IF – Toronto Blue Jays: Gomes was recalled from Triple A Las Vegas two weeks ago and has been filling in at Left Field, Catcher, 1st Base and 3rd Base. Even though he has only gone 3 for 15 since being called back, his versatility in the field has made him extremely valuable on a Blue Jays team that is trying to remain competitive in the AL East despite being decimated by injuries.
Paulo Orlando, OF – NW Arkansas (KC Double A): Orlando’s production has actually improved in the last couple of weeks despite an overall drop in numbers over the last couple of months. In his last 10 games, Orlando is hitting .313 with a .765 OPS. Of particular note, his K/BB ratio has evened out and he has 3 stolen bases in the same time frame.
Andre Rienzo, P – Birmingham (CWS Double A): Rienzo came off of a short spell on the disabled list, and on the next start back against Jacksonville he pitched 7 innings of shutout baseball with 9K’s. Rienzo’s numbers in Double A are 4-1 with a 2.41 ERA 46 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. Opponents are only hitting .212 against him.
Murillo Gouvea, P – Lexington (HOU Single A): It looks like the Astros organization is trying to groom Gouvea as a closer, as he has 3 saves and one blown save in his last 4 appearances. Overall this season Gouvea is 2-6 with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. So far this season, I would say he is the most improved Brazilian from last season, and if he can master the closer’s role, he could move up to Double A this August or going into next season.
Leonardo Reginatto, SS – Hudson Valley (TB Single A short season): Reginatto has cooled off the last few weeks of the season. Overall, he is still hitting .286 with a .690 OPS. One of the bright spots is his hitting with runners on (.345/.847) and runners in scoring position (.324/.807).
Felipe Burin, 3B – Pulaski (SEA Rookie): Burin’s numbers have gradually improved over the course of the last month, but he is still only hitting .231 with a .619 OPS. As with Reginatto, a bright spot are his RISP numbers (.294/.803).
Pedro Okuda, SS – VSL Mariners (SEA Rookie): Okuda has also cooled off in the last month, but is still hitting .277/.765 overall this season.
Thyago Vieira, P – VSL Mariners (SEA Rookie): Vieira’s numbers have improved slightly over the last month, especially his walks to strikeout ratio (17/35). He’s still giving up too many hits, however, as evidence by opposing hitters hitting .310 off of him. Overall, he is 3-5 with a 6.05 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP in 13 games started.
Felipe Talos, C – VSL Mariners (SEA Rookie): Talos has been steady in his first season in Venezuela (.277/.744).
Rafael Moreno, P – DSL Orioles (BAL Rookie): Moreno has impressed in his first pro season, going 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 14 walks and 45 strikeouts in 10 games (8 games started).
Meanwhile, back in Brazil, former minor league player Jean Tome helped Atibaia win the 66th Annual Brazilian Adult Inter-Club Baseball Championship. Though Tome pitched when he was in the minors (SEA), he had the second most RBI’s during the tournament.
