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Spring Training Spotlight: Gift Ngoepe

March 30, 2017 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - Eight days remain until Opening Day for the Indians, and with players set to report early next week, the Tribe will likely have an infielder who put together a stellar spring. Known predominantly for his glove, Gift Ngoepe may have found his bat in a small sample size during March.

Ngoepe is a .232 hitter (541-for-2332) in his career, but this spring he is raking at a .429 clip (18-for-42). He ranks first among Pirates players in batting average and is tied for third in hits. This may be a great sign for Indians fans, as he may be playing in Indianapolis for his third straight season, where he is a .221 hitter (87-for-393). Perhaps his best year was his first season in Indy. Between Double-A Altoona and the Tribe, Ngoepe registered a .257 average (79-for-307) in 92 games.

Like previous years, Ngoepe has already shown his glove is ready for Opening Day. So far, he has managed an errorless spring in 45 chances. The Pirates have also shifted him around, appearing in eight games at second base, seven games at third base and six games at shortstop. Last season, the South African-born infielder posted the highest fielding percentage among qualifying shortstops (.984) in the International League. Previously, he had been named by Baseball America as the Pirates "Best Defensive Infielder" in the minor league system.

With Ngoepe proving himself, he may appear in a major league game sooner rather than later. Right now, the Buccos have utility men Adam Frazier, Phil Gosselin and Alen Hanson as their potential backups. However, with Jung Ho Kang possibly unavailable to start the season due to visa problems, the Pirates could turn to another infield call-up.

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