Pirates demote rookie Ngoepe

The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned infielder Gift Ngoepe to the minor leagues Friday, about a month after he debuted as the first African-born player in the majors.

The slick-fielding South African singled in his first plate appearance last month, but batted .222 without a homer in 28 games prior to the demotion.

Ngoepe picked up baseball as a child because his family lived in the clubhouse of a men’s league ballpark where his mother worked. His younger brother, Victor, is also a Pirates minor leaguer.

The elder Ngoepe is headed to Triple-A Indianapolis. Manager Clint Hurdle says he told the 27-year-old to work on his two-strike approach and small-ball hitting. Hurdle told him that if he shows those skills next time he comes to the majors, “you can stay.”

Additionally, Pirates infielder Alen Hanson was designated for assignment and infielders Max Moroff and Phil Gosselin were recalled from the minors. Briefly: Former closer Sam Dyson was designated for assignment by the Rangers two days after he gave up two home runs and three runs in the 10th inning of a loss to the Rays, his sixth loss of the season. The right-hander was removed from the closer role in early May . ... The Mariners placed shortstop Jean Segura on the 10-day disabled list with a right high-ankle sprain . ... Red Sox lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez was put on the 10day DL after injuring his knee on a fall from the bullpen mound . ... The Cardinals recalled outfielder Magneuris Sierra from Double-A Springfield. Sierra, 21, made his major-league debut last month and hit .367 (11for-30) in seven games before he was sent down when infielder Jhonny Peralta was activated from the DL. Sierra takes the roster spot of infielder Jedd Gyorko, who was placed on paternity leave.