Former Met Begins Comeback
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 24, 2012) – Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signing of relief pitcher Armando Benitez. Following a year away from the game, the former New York Met closer begins a comeback effort in the direct proximity of some of his most memorable moments in baseball. The 15-year Major League veteran last pitched professionally in 2010 when he posted a 2.86 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 12 walks in 34 and two-thirds innings pitched for Newark of the Atlantic League prior to being signed by the Florida Marlins and being assigned to their AAA affiliate.
“Armando Benitez is a well-known name to the baseball fans of the Tri-State area,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He has had success in this league and at the big league level previously, and we’re confident he will contribute positively to our club’s championship mission.”
Benitez has 289 saves at the Major League level and owns a MLB ERA of 3.13 in 762 career appearances. In 779 innings of work, he has struck out 946 batters and allowed just 545 hits at the game’s highest level.
In an additional roster move, the Ducks have traded right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer to the Bridgeport Bluefish in exchange for future considerations.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
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