(Central Islip, N.Y., June 1, 2022) – Former Long Island Ducks right-handed pitcher Jose Cuas was called up to the Major Leagues by the Kansas City Royals on Monday and appeared in their game against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. He becomes the 24th player in Ducks history to reach the Major League level after playing with Long Island. He is also just the fourth player in franchise history to reach MLB for the first time ever after playing for the Ducks (Mel Stocker, Scott Rice, Mickey Jannis).
“We are incredibly proud of Jose,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He came up in professional baseball as an infielder, we gave him a shot as a pitcher, and now he’s pitching in the big leagues just a few seasons later. His ascent in the game has been admirable to watch, and we wish him the best of luck with Kansas City.”
Cuas first joined the Ducks in 2018 and went on to play in parts of three seasons with the Flock (2018-19, 2021). He combined to pitch in 37 games, accruing a 4-1 record with a 1.36 ERA, one save, 46 strikeouts and 20 walks over 46.1 innings of work. The Queens native had his contract purchased twice by Major League clubs during his time with the Flock, first with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 and then by the Royals in 2021.
The 27-year-old compiled a 6-3 record with a 1.60 ERA, 10 saves and 35 strikeouts over 45 innings at three levels in the Diamondbacks organization in 2019. He then went 5-1 with a 1.51 ERA, three saves and 44 strikeouts to just eight walks over 41.2 innings across three levels in the Royals system in 2021. The righty began 2022 at Triple-A Omaha and pitched in 20 games, posting a 1.74 ERA, three saves and 18 strikeouts in 20.2 innings before his promotion to The Show.
Following is the complete list of Ducks players to reach MLB after playing on Long Island:
| PLAYER | YEAR(S) WITH DUCKS | PROMOTED BY | PROMOTION YEAR |
| Jose Cuas | 2018-19, 2021 | Kansas City Royals | 2022 |
| Sean Nolin | 2019 | Washington Nationals | 2021 |
| Mickey Jannis | 2015 | Baltimore Orioles | 2021 |
| Emilio Bonifacio | 2018 | Washington Nationals | 2020 |
| Fernando Abad | 2018 | Baltimore Orioles San Francisco Giants |
2021 2019 |
| Wilkin Castillo | 2018 | Miami Marlins | 2019 |
| Henderson Alvarez | 2017 | Philadelphia Phillies | 2017 |
| Quintin Berry | 2017 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2017 |
| Tim Melville | 2017, 2019 | Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres Minnesota Twins |
2019 2017 2017 |
| Rich Hill | 2015 | Tampa Bay Rays Minnesota Twins Los Angeles Dodgers Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox |
2021 2020 2016-19 2016 2015, 2022 |
| Scott Rice | 2008 | New York Mets | 2013-14 |
| Lew Ford | 2009, 2011-Present | Baltimore Orioles | 2012 |
| Kip Wells | 2010 | San Diego Padres | 2012 |
| Justin Hampson | 2010 | New York Mets | 2012 |
| Joey Gathright | 2010 | Boston Red Sox | 2011 |
| Robinson Cancel | 2010 | Houston Astros | 2011 |
| Erick Almonte | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2011 |
| Jay Gibbons | 2008 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2010 |
| Mel Stocker | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2007 |
| Nelson Figueroa | 2006 | Houston Astros Philadelphia Phillies New York Mets |
2010-11 2010 2008-09 |
| Ken Ray | 2002 | Atlanta Braves | 2006 |
| Bill Pulsipher | 2004 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2005 |
| Pedro Borbon Jr. | 2003 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2003 |
| Carlos Baerga | 2001 | Washington Nationals Arizona Diamondbacks Boston Red Sox |
2005 2003-04 2002 |
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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