Right-handed pitcher is fifth Ducks player to have contract purchased in 2021
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 11, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the contract of right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris has been purchased by San Francisco Giants organization. He will report to the team’s Double-A club in Richmond, Va. Morris becomes the fifth member of the 2021 Ducks roster to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization.
“Akeel has been exceptional on the mound to begin the 2021 season,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He has earned this opportunity to get back to a Major League organization, and we wish him the best of luck with the Giants.”
Morris has made three starts to begin the season, including the June 3 game in West Virginia that was suspended in the fourth inning. In those three outings, he has tossed 14 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and five walks while striking out 17 batters. Most recently, the 28-year-old pitched seven shutout innings and gave up just three hits and two walks while striking out six in a 12-2 win over the High Point Rockers on Wednesday. The St. Thomas native has three seasons of Major League experience, pitching with the New York Mets (2015), Atlanta Braves (2017) and Los Angeles Angels (2018). He has appeared in 18 games, striking out 16 batters over 22 innings of work.
Following is the complete list of 2021 Ducks players whose contracts have been purchased:
| PLAYER (POS) | MLB TEAM/FOREIGN LEAGUE | CLUB ASSIGNMENT | TRANSACTION DATE |
| Akeel Morris (RHP) | San Francisco Giants | Richmond Flying Squirrels (AA) | 06/11/21 |
| Ryan Horstman (LHP) | Minnesota Twins | TBD | 05/26/21 |
| Ty Kelly (INF) | Seattle Mariners | Tacoma Rainiers (AAA) | 05/22/21 |
| T.J. Rivera (INF) | Pittsburgh Pirates | Indianapolis Indians (AAA) | 05/19/21 |
| Rob Zastryzny (LHP) | Miami Marlins | Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA) | 05/04/19 |
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. 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 Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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