The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Monday evening that INF/OF Adam Frazier has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain and right-handed relief pitcher Dovydas Neverauskas has been recalled from Indianapolis. Once he makes his debut, Neverauskas will be the first player from Lithuania to make the majors.
The 24-year-old Neverauskas was added to the 40-man roster over the off-season, avoiding minor league free agency in the process. He was signed as a 16-year-old by the Pirates in 2009 and made a strong impression at the lower levels by hitting 95 MPH as a starting pitcher. Neverauskas wasn’t able to progress past Low-A ball as a starting pitcher and he moved to relief late in 2005, finishing the season in Bradenton.
Last spring, Neverauskas got some attention here by sitting 95-96 in relief outings during minor league Spring Training games. He went to Altoona, where the velocity increased a bit, hitting 97 MPH more consistently, touching 99 MPH at one point. He also had two versions of a slider that were effective pitches, one that was harder and broke in towards right-handed hitters, and another that was a little slower and broke down and away from right-handed hitters.
This season, Neverauskas has thrown 8.1 innings without an earned run, holding batters to a .138 average. He has the upside of a late inning reliever, but he could probably use a little more time before he is ready for that role. Neverauskas was rated 21st among prospects in our 2017 Prospect Guide.
Adam Frazier was hitting .306/.370/.449 in 15 games prior to the injury.
