Long Island Ducks Pitcher Heads To Foreign Pro League

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Long Island Ducks left-handed pitcher Emilio Marquez is the latest Duck to spread his wings and fly away after having his contract purchased by Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League, the organization announced Tuesday.

“Emilio has done a terrific job on the mound, both as a starter and a reliever,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “We wish him the best of luck in the Mexican League.”

The 25-year-old Venezuela native has made eight appearances, including four starts, with the Ducks this season. He has compiled a 1-2 record with a 2.80 ERA, conceding 12 runs in 25.2 innings of work. The southpaw has allowed 23 hits and seven walks while striking out 33 batters. He has allowed three earned runs or less in each of his four starts, compiling a 3.15 ERA as a starter. Most recently, Marquez tossed seven scoreless innings against Gastonia on May 30, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out eight batters for the third time in his four starts, according to the Ducks.

This isn't the first time Zuber's played in another pro league. He spent five seasons as a member of the Kansas City Royals organization (2018-19, 2021-23) before joining the Flock. In 104 career appearances with 13 starts, he accrued a 27-6 record with a 3.26 ERA, nine saves and 318 strikeouts to just 68 walks over 251.1 innings of work. In 2023, he went 2-0 with a 4.41 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 22 appearances across High-A, Double-A and Triple-A. He was originally signed by the Royals as a free agent in 2018.

Marquez becomes the sixth member of the 2024 Ducks to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization or foreign professional league, surpassing the team’s total from all of 2023. He joins infielder Rixon Wingrove (Minnesota Twins, May 24) and right-handed pitchers Tyler Zuber (Tampa Bay Rays, May 13), Chris Ellis (Arizona Diamondbacks, April 25), Dan Straily (Chicago Cubs, April 25), and Raynel Espinal (Rieleros de Aguascalientes, April 15).

Since beginning play in 2000, the Ducks have had 30 players reach the Major League level after joining Long Island, and 113 have had their contract purchased.

For the full list of Ducks players who have gone on to the major leagues, click here.