Tayler Scott

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Tayler Scott

|image = Tayler Scott (48035121253) (cropped).jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Scott with the Seattle Mariners in 2019

|team = Arizona Diamondbacks

|number = 53

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|6|1|df=yes}}

|birth_place = Johannesburg, South Africa

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 8

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = Seattle Mariners

|debut2league= NPB

|debut2date = June 19

|debut2year = 2020

|debut2team = Hiroshima Toyo Carp

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = June 18, 2025

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 8–6

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.19

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 133

|stat2league = NPB

|stat2year = 2020 season

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 0–3

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 15.75

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 7

|teams =

Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2019}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2019}})
Hiroshima Toyo Carp ({{npby|2020}}–{{npby|2021}})
San Diego Padres ({{mlby|2022}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2023}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2023}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2023}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2024}}–{{mlby|2025}})
Arizona Diamondbacks ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

}}

Tayler James Scott (born 1 June 1992) is a South African professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, and the Houston Astros, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. He is the first South African baseball pitcher in MLB and NPB history.

Career

Scott was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/mlb/seattle-mariners/article231319163.html|title=Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger placed on 10-day IL|first=Lauren|last=Smith|website=The News Tribune|date=7 June 2019|access-date=7 June 2019}} He moved to the United States when he was 16 to attend high school and play baseball.{{cite web | last=Johns | first=Greg | title=Tayler Scott's journey from South Africa to MLB | website=MLB.com | date=2019-06-09 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tayler-scott-s-journey-from-south-africa-to-mlb | access-date=2024-10-27}} After moving, he attended Notre Dame Prep High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scott initially committed to play college baseball at Arizona.{{cite news |title=MLB draft: Five Arizona Wildcats selected so far |url=https://tucson.com/sports/baseball/college/wildcats/mlb-draft-five-arizona-wildcats-selected-so-far/article_ed3346b6-912d-11e0-af79-001cc4c03286.html |access-date=11 August 2019 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=7 June 2011 |language=en}}

=Chicago Cubs=

Scott was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 5th round of the 2011 MLB draft.

Scott played in the Cubs organization from 2011 through the 2015 season. During his time with them, he played for the AZL Cubs, Boise Hawks, Kane County Cougars, Daytona Cubs, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the Tennessee Smokies.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=scott-000tay|title=Tayler Scott Minor, Fall, Independent, Winter & Japanese Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=19 July 2023}} He was released by the Cubs on 30 March 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/tayler-scott-605463?stats=career-r-pitching-minors&year=2019|title=Tayler Scott Player Page|website=ML.com|access-date=7 June 2019}}

=Sioux City Explorers=

Scott signed with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association, an independent baseball league, in April 2016.{{cite web|url=https://siouxcityjournal.com/sports/baseball/professional/minor/explorers/explorers-add-two-more-pitchers-to-team/article_10af574b-d893-55a7-af34-289d7afd476e.html|title=Explorers add two more pitchers to team|website=siouxcityjournal.com|date=21 April 2016|access-date=7 June 2019}} In 17 relief appearances, he pitched to a 1.88 ERA while striking out 32 batters in {{frac|28|2|3}} innings.

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On 6 July 2016, Scott signed a minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/biloxi/news/brewers-sign-rhp-tayler-scott-and-has-been-assigned-to-biloxi/c-188336554|title=Brewers sign RHP Tayler Scott and has been assigned to Biloxi|website=MiLB.com|date=6 July 2016|access-date=7 June 2019}} During 2016, he played for the Biloxi Shuckers of the Southern League and the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, and returned to Biloxi to begin the 2017 season.

=Texas Rangers=

On 31 July 2017, Scott was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Jeremy Jeffress.{{cite web|url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2017/07/31/report-rangers-trade-jeremy-jeffress-milwaukee-brewers|title=Rangers Trade Jeremey Jeffress to the Milwaukee Brewers|website=Dallas Morning News|date=31 July 2017|access-date=7 June 2019}} He played for the Round Rock Express in 2017.

Scott spent the entirety of 2018 with Triple–A Round Rock, appearing in 44 contests and pitching to a 5–5 record and 3.26 ERA with 52 strikeouts across {{fraction|60|2|3}} innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on 2 November 2018.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|access-date=May 17, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=6 November 2018 |language=en}}

=Seattle Mariners=

Scott became a free agent after the 2018 season, and signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners on 24 January 2019.{{cite web|url=https://marinersblog.mlblogs.com/mariners-select-rhp-tayler-scott-from-aaa-tacoma-9b08226d8887|title=Mariners Select RHP Tayler Scott from AAA Tacoma|website=marinersblog.mlblogs.com|publisher=Seattle Mariners PR|date=7 June 2019|access-date=7 June 2019}} He opened the 2019 season with the Tacoma Rainiers.

Scott was called up to the major leagues for the first time on 7 June 2019. He made his major-league debut on 8 June, becoming the first South African pitcher in MLB history.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/mariners-prospect-scott-to-become-1st-mlb-pitcher-from-south-africa/ar-AACy6tQ|title=Mariners prospect Scott to become 1st MLB pitcher from South Africa|website=msn.com|first=Vincent|last=Frank|date=7 June 2019|access-date=8 June 2019}} He pitched {{fraction|2|2|3}} innings in his debut, against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing three runs on four hits. His first strikeout was against Wilfredo Tovar.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA201906080.shtml|title=Seattle Mariners vs Los Angeles Angels Box Score: June 8, 2019|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=22 May 2023}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On 25 June 2019, Scott was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|url=https://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2019/06/orioles-claim-scott-off-waivers-and-dfa-gilmartin.html|title=Orioles claim Scott off waivers and DFA Gilmartin|website=masnsports.com|publisher=MASN|first=Roch|last=Kubatko|date=25 June 2019|access-date=13 July 2019}} In eight appearances for the Orioles, Scott struggled to an 18.69 ERA with 7 strikeouts in {{fraction|8|2|3}} innings of work. He was markedly better with the Triple–A Norfolk Tides, registering a 0.56 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 13 appearances.{{Cite web|title=Tayler Scott Stats & Scouting Report|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/93333/tayler-scott/|access-date=19 June 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}} On 30 October, Scott was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Norfolk.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-pat-valaika-20191030-yuxzhzhar5c77nfhjr7vd3coyq-story.html|title=Orioles claim infielder Pat Valaika off waivers from Rockies; outright four pitchers to Triple-A Norfolk|website=The Baltimore Sun|first=Jon|last=Meoli|date=30 October 2019|access-date=30 October 2019}} He elected free agency on 4 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2019/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2019|first=Matt|last=Eddy|website=Baseball America|date=7 November 2019|access-date=8 November 2019}}

=Hiroshima Toyo Carp=

On 1 December 2019, Scott signed a one-year contract with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).{{cite web | url=https://www.carp.co.jp/news19/n-384.html | title=テイラー・スコット選手、選手契約合意！ | work=広島東洋カープ公式サイト | language=Japanese | date=1 December 2019 | access-date=22 December 2019 | archive-date=5 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205152515/https://www.carp.co.jp/news19/n-384.html | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.daily.co.jp/baseball/carp/2019/12/01/0012922562.shtml|title=新外国人獲得鋭いスライダー武器のテイラー・スコット投手中継ぎ期待|website=Daily Sports|date=1 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2019}} In 2020, Scott struggled to a 15.75 ERA in 7 games for Hiroshima. Scott did not appear in a regular season game for the Carp in 2021 and became a free agent after the season.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

=San Diego Padres=

On 7 March 2022, Scott signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.drroto.com/mlb/players/102972/|title=Tayler Scott|website=drroto.com}} On 11 September, Scott was designated for assignment.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On 14 September 2022, Scott was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Tayler Scott: Claimed by Phillies|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-tayler-scott-claimed-by-phillies/|access-date=17 June 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=14 September 2022 |language=en}} In four appearances for the Triple–A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Scott struggled to a 15.00 ERA with four strikeouts in three innings of work. He was designated for assignment on 16 December, after the Phillies signed Taijuan Walker.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Tayler Scott: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-tayler-scott-designated-for-assignment/|access-date=17 June 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=16 December 2022 |language=en}} Scott cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A on 23 December;{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Tayler Scott: Clears waivers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-tayler-scott-clears-waivers/|access-date=17 June 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=23 December 2022 |language=en}} however, he declined the assignment and became a free agent.{{Cite web|title=Tayler Scott: Hits open market|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tayler-scott-hits-open-market/amp/|access-date=17 June 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On 7 January 2023, Scott signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite tweet|user=tombaseball29|number=1611859875717611521|title=#Dodgers have signed RHP Tayler Scott to a minor league contract}} He began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing only two earned runs in {{fraction|16|2|3}} innings before he was called up to the majors on 22 May.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/dodgers-designate-wander-suero-select-tayler-scott.html|title=Dodgers Designate Wander Suero, Select Tayler Scott|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Darragh|last=McDonald|date=22 May 2023|accessdate=22 May 2023}} He pitched six innings across six games for the Dodgers, posting a 9.00 ERA before he was designated for assignment on 17 June.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/06/dodgers-select-bryan-hudson.html|title=Dodgers Select Bryan Hudson|date=17 June 2023|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}

=Boston Red Sox=

On 22 June 2023, Scott was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations;{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/06/red-sox-acquire-tayler-scott-from-dodgers.html|title=Red Sox Acquire Tayler Scott From Dodgers|work=mlb trade rumors|first=Darragh|last=McDonald|date=22 June 2023|accessdate=22 June 2023}} he was assigned to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2023/06/23/red-sox-mlb/dbcd4d96-1216-11ee-8d22-5f65b2e2f6ad_story.html |title=Boston Red Sox recall infielder Bobby Dalbec and left-hander Chris Murphy from Triple-A Worcester |agency=AP |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 June 2023 |accessdate=24 June 2023}} On 4 July, Scott was added to Boston's active roster.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-red-sox-announce-roster-moves-for-july-4-2023 |title=Red Sox announce roster moves |website=MLB.com |publisher=Boston Red Sox |date=4 July 2023 |accessdate=4 July 2023}} In four games for Boston, Scott pitched {{fraction|3|2|3}} innings and surrendered three runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks with two strikeouts. He was designated for assignment on 16 July.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38020723/right-hander-jake-faria-brought-red-sox-cut-tayler-scott |title=Red Sox bring up right-hander Jake Faria, DFA Tayler Scott |agency=AP |website=ESPN.com |date=16 July 2023 |accessdate=16 July 2023}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On 19 July 2023, Scott was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.{{cite tweet |user=AthleticsPR |number=1681810029765328896 |title=The Oakland A's have claimed right-handed pitcher Tayler Scott off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. |date=19 July 2023 |accessdate=19 July 2023}} In 8 games for Oakland, he registered a 3.38 ERA with 7 strikeouts in 8 innings of work. Following the season on 6 November, Scott was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Las Vegas Aviators.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Tayler Scott: Dropped from 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-tayler-scott-dropped-from-40-man-roster/|access-date=9 November 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=6 November 2023 |language=en}} He elected free agency the same day.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=9 November 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=8 November 2023 |language=en}}

=Houston Astros=

File:1479Game 03 2025 Astros-Cardinals Apr 14 Tayler Scott.png

On 12 December 2023, Scott signed a minor-league contract with the Houston Astros.{{Cite web|title=Astros' Tayler Scott: Inks MiLB pact with Houston|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/astros-tayler-scott-inks-milb-pact-with-houston/|access-date=December 20, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=20 December 2023 |language=en}} On 28 March 2024, Scott had his contract selected after making Houston's Opening Day roster.{{Cite web|title=Astros' Tayler Scott: Joins big-league roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/astros-tayler-scott-joins-big-league-roster/|date=March 28, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Scott earned his first major league win on 2 May when he tossed {{frac|1|1|3}} scoreless innings versus the Cleveland Guardians to support an 8–2 final.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401568941 |title=Singleton homers, Altuve adds 3 hits as Astros take series with 8–2 win over Guardians |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024}} The Astros placed Scott on the 15-day injured list on 21 September due to a thoracic spine strain. Through the point of the roster move, Scott had made the third-most appearances for the Astros and had produced a 2.23 ERA, 71 strikeouts, a 25.2% strikeout rate, and a 3.5% barrel rate over his {{frac|68|2|3}} innings. He did struggle with walks, however, at 12.4%.{{cite news |last=Polishuk |first=Matt |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/astros-place-tayler-scott-on-15-day-injured-list.html |title=Astros place Tayler Scott on 15-day injured list |work=MLB Trade Rumors |date=September 21, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024}}

Scott made 17 appearances for the Astros in 2025, posting a 1–2 record and 5.40 ERA with 16 strikeouts across {{fraction|16|2|3}} innings pitched. Scott was designated for assignment by the Astros on 14 May 2025.{{Cite web|title=Astros Designate Tayler Scott For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/astros-designate-tayler-scott-for-assignment.html|access-date=May 14, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On 21 May 2025, Scott cleared waivers and elected free agency, rejecting the outright assignment to the minors.{{Cite web|title=Transactions | Houston Astros |url=https://www.mlb.com/astros/roster/transactions |website=MLB.com |date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 23, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=McDonald |first=Darragh |title=Tayler Scott Elects Free Agency |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/tayler-scott-elects-free-agency.html |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 23, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Kawahara |first=Matt |title=Former Houston Astros reliever Tayler Scott opts for free agency after clearing waivers |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/former-houston-astros-reliever-tayler-scott-opts-for-free-agency-after-clearing-waivers/ar-AA1Ferpg |website=MSN |date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 23, 2025}}

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

On May 31, 2025, Scott signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-05-31 He made three scoreless appearances for the Triple-A Reno Aces before being added to Arizona's active roster on June 10.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks Place Justin Martínez On IL With UCL Sprain|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/diamondbacks-place-justin-martinez-on-il-with-ucl-sprain.html|access-date=June 10, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}