by DZ

Dovydas Neverauskas and Max Kepler, the top two signings out of Europe in the summer of 2010, are both playing well and making a case for promotion. Kepler was in the big leagues for the tail end of the 2015 season and for a handful of plate appearances early this season, and he’s now starting to show the consistency in Triple-A that won him the 2015 Double-A MVP award. Meanwhile, Neverauskas moved slowly through the Pirates system before finding his niche in the bullpen. Minus a rough couple of outings to open the 2016 season, he’s been unstoppable since last summer in 1-2 inning appearances.

MLB –

Didi Gregorius, New York Yankees. Netherlands.

Current team: New York Yankees (MLB)

Gregorius has ten hits in his last seven games, raising his season average to .252 (matching his career mark). He has three home runs and a stolen base, scoring 12 times while driving in 15.

Triple A –

Roger Bernadina, New York Mets. Netherlands.

Current team: Las Vegas 51s (AAA)

The Dutch outfielder has eleven hits in his last ten games. He’s hitting .300 with 9 stolen bases for the year, while striking out in nearly a third of his at bats.

Max Kepler, Minnesota Twins. Germany.

Current team: Rochester Red Wings (AAA)

Kepler had his first Triple-A home run Thursday night, while getting three hits for the second consecutive game. He’s hit .325 over his last 10 games, finding his groove again after sporadic at-bats at the big league level through the month of April. Kepler is now at .265/.351/.449 in 26 games at Rochester.

Double A –

Donald Lutz, Cincinnati Reds. Germany.

Current team: Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA)

Lutz has 100 AB in Double-A this year, with 20 hits, 37 strikeouts, 6 walks, and a stolen base. The outfielder had big league time in 2013 & 2014, and suffered a season-ending elbow injury after just 13 minor league games in 2015.

Dovydas Neverauskas, Pittsburgh Pirates. Lithuania.

Current team: Altoona Curve (AA)

The Lithuanian reliever, signed in 2010, has continued his success since converting to relief halfway through last season. He’s now had 9 scoreless appearances dating back to late April, allowing hits in only two of his last nine games. The Vilnius righty is 1-0 with one save. He’s pitched 19.2 innings, giving up 11 hits and 9 walks while striking out 20.

Andy Paz, Oakland Athletics. France.

Current team: Midland Rockhounds (AA)

Paz has appeared in 6 games for Midland in the three weeks since his promotion to Double-A. He has four hits, including a home run, in 18 at bats for Midland. He’s hitting .324 with a .419 OBP for the season with 3 extra base hits, 6 walks, 4 strikeouts, and a stolen base.

Single-A –

Daniel Arribas, Pittsburgh Pirates. Netherlands.

Current team: West Virginia Power (Low-A)

The catcher from Eindhoven is hitting .296 in his last ten games. He’s stolen 5 bases this season without being caught while walking more than striking out (24:19). He has a season slash line of .250/.401/.426.

Martin Cervenka, Cleveland Indians. Czech Republic.

Current team: Lake County Captains (Low-A)

The Kotlarka catcher has four hits and two walks in his last 10 games. He’s hitting .189 in 21 games with five extra base hits.

Marten Gasparini, Kansas City Royals. Italy.

Current team: Lexington Legends (Low-A)

Gasparini has six hits, 5 walks, and 18 strikeouts in his last 10 games. He’s 5 of 8 in stolen base attempts on the season, with 49 strikeouts in 107 at bats. Soon to be 19 years old and already in full-season ball, Gasparini is hitting .168.

Players who haven’t yet appeared in May 2016 are listed below. They are likely in extended spring training playing unofficial games until short-season leagues start in June.

Pascal Amon, Los Angeles Dodgers. Germany.

Vadim Balan, Minnesota Twins. Moldova.

Paul Brands, Pittsburgh Pirates. Netherlands.

Sam Buelens, Toronto Blue Jays. Belgium.

Federico Celli, Los Angeles Dodgers. Italy.

Taylor Clemensia, Minnesota Twins. Netherlands.

Nicolo Clemente, Boston Red Sox. Italy.

Leonardo Colagrossi, Philadelphia Phillies. Italy

Rachid Engelhardt, Baltimore Orioles. Netherlands.

Federico Giordani, Los Angeles Dodgers. Italy.

Misja Harcksen, Los Angeles Dodgers. Netherlands.

Nadir Ljatifi, Cincinnati Reds. Germany.

Alberto Mineo, Chicago Cubs. Italy.

Ramon Rosso, Los Angeles Dodgers. Spain.

Sven Schuller, Los Angeles Dodgers. Germany.

Matz Schutte, Minnesota Twins. Netherlands.

Claudio Scotti, Pittsburgh Pirates. Italy.

Artur Strzalka, New York Yankees. Poland.

Ruar Verkerk, Minnesota Twins. Netherlands.