Duaner Sanchez (prorumors.com)
Former Mets relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez, whose career was derailed after a car accident in 2006, has signed with the Long Island Ducks this season.
Sanchez was a big part of the Mets bullpen before he injured his shoulder in the crash. The hard-throwing righty hopped in a cab in Miami on his way to a Dominican restaurant when the taxi was hit, ending his season.
The Ducks also announced the signing of outfielder Sean Smith for this season.
“We are happy to bring Duaner and Sean aboard this season,” Ducks president/general manager Michael Pfaff said in a statement. “Their talents and experience will certainly help bolster our club.”
Sanchez, who separated his shoulder in the crash, was off to a good season in 2006 posting a 2.60 ERA in 49 appearances. He missed all of the ’07 season and returned in 2008, appearing in 66 games.
For his career, Sanchez posted a 4.10 ERA in 288 games.
The Dominican born player split time last year in the Mexican League and the Canadian-American Association, going 4-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 39 appearances.
The Ducks open their season May 6.
