International lineup of Team Italy baseball players around the globe
Team Italy pitchers: Sam Gaviglio has pitched seven innings in four relief appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays with six strikeouts and a 1.29 ERA. Jordan Romano (1-0, 0.00 ERA) picked up the win in his debut for Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate Buffalo Bisons on April 6, 2019. Jordan Romano pitched three innings of scoreless relief with two walks and three strikeouts against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
In his debut for the San Francisco Giants AAA affiliate Sacramento River Cats on April 4, 2019, switch-pitcher Pat Venditte threw 1.2 innings of scoreless relief with two walks and three strikeouts against the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. MLB veteran pitcher Tommy Layne made his first 2019 appearance for the St. Louis Cardinals AAA National Champion Memphis Redbirds on April 6. He threw a brief 0.2 inning of relief before the game against the Omaha Stormchasers was suspended.
Tiago Da Silva (0-1, 0.00 ERA) was the opening day starting pitcher for the Mexican League Triple-A Generals de Durango against Toros de Tijuana on April 5, 2019. Although he lost the decision, Tiago Da Silva threw six complete innings with five strikeouts while limiting his opponent to just five hits. Left-handed pitcher Luis Lugo has been assigned to Chicago Cubs Single-A Advanced Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Fellow lefty Nick Fanti has been assigned to Philadelphia Phillies Single-A Advanced Clearwater Threshers. 18-year-old Michele Vassalotti is expected pitch for Milwaukee Brewers Rookie Pioneer League Rocky Mountain Vibes in mid-June.
17-year-old Daniele Di Monte is currently training at the FIBS Academy in Rome, where he will remain before reporting to the Detroit Tigers minor league camp in Lakeland, Florida. MLB hopeful Matteo Bocchi is in senior year at University of Texas in Austin. During his 16.2 innings of work, Matteo Bocchi has made one start and eight relief appearances with one save for the Texas Longhorns in 2019. He has 11 strikeouts and a 2.70 ERA so far this season.
Team Italy catchers: Francisco Cervelli scored the winning run in the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5 extra-inning victory over the Cincinnati Reds on April 6, 2019. In the top of the 10th inning with one out, pinch-hitter Francisco Cervelli singled and later scored on an RBI double by Kevin Newman. Francisco Cervelli is the Pittsburgh Pirates everyday catcher with a .250 batting average.
Drew Butera made his catching debut for Colorado Rockies Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes on April 4, 2019, when he went 2-for-3 with a double against Los Angeles Angels Triple-A affiliate Salt Lake Bees. Alberto Mineo opened the 2019 season with Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He went 1-for-4 with one run scored on April 4 against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate for the New York Mets. Alberto Mineo returned for his second start behind the dish on April 6 and went 2-for-5 with a double and a walk. After impressing coaches playing for Oakland Athletics Rookie Arizona League's Athletics Green last year, 20-year-old Cesarre Astorri awaits his next opportunity in Mesa.
Team Italy infielders: Daniel Descalso was the leadoff hitter for the Chicago Cubs against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 6, 2019. The hot-hitting second baseman has a .400 batting average with one double, one home run, four walks and four RBI. Currently in extended spring training and on the injured reserve list, Gavin Cecchini is destined for New York Mets Triple-A affiliate Syracuse Mets.
Drew Maggi made his debut for Minnesota Twins Double-A affiliate Pensacola Blue Wahoos on April 5, 2019 against the Mobile Baybears, the Double-A affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels. He played second base and went 1-for-3. Drew Maggi also served as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos DH on April 6 when he doubled and walked.
20-year-old first baseman Leo Seminati is expected to return to the Cincinnati Reds Rookie League affiliate Billings Mustangs for their home opener on June 14, 2019. After starting the season playing in Mexico for Leones de Yucatan, Alex Liddi has been recruited to play third base for the Chinatrust Brothers in Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).
Team Italy outfielders: Brandon Nimmo is the leadoff hitter for the New York Mets while John Andreoli is the leadoff hitter for the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings. Marten Gasparini proved to be the difference for Kansas City Royals Single-A Advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks' 2-1 victory over the Salem Red Sox on April 7, 2019. In the bottom of sixth inning, the 21-year-old Italian-born and developed right fielder led off with a single and later scored on an RBI double by Southern California teammate Nick Pratto. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen
by Roberto Angotti
