The Pirates added minor league shortstop Gift Ngoepe to their 40-man roster today, protecting him from selection in the Rule 5 draft and keeping him from becoming a minor league free agent.
Ngoepe, 25, was born in South Africa. He is an excellent defensive shortstop. This past season, Ngoepe (pronounced n-GO-pay) reached Class AAA Indianapolis. Between Indy and Class AA Altoona, he hit .257 with a .333 on-base percentage in 351 plate appearances.
Ngoepe would have become a minor league free agent Friday. The Pirates have four empty spots on their 40-man roster.