Downs returns for third season with Flock while Burgos makes Atlantic League debut
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 2, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of left-handed pitcher Darin Downs and right-handed pitcher Enrique Burgos. Downs begins his third season with the Ducks and 17th in professional baseball, while Burgos enters his first season on Long Island and 12th in professional baseball.
“Darin and Enrique have both reached the game’s highest level and add a ton of experience to our pitching staff,” said Ducks Manager Wally Backman. “I am excited about the pitching staff we are building for this season.”
Downs spent three seasons in the Major Leagues, including two with the Detroit Tigers (2012-13) and one with the Houston Astros (2014). He combined to make 92 relief appearances, posting a 4-4 record with a 4.76 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 90.2 innings of work. The Florida resident tossed a scoreless inning in his MLB debut on July 3, 2012, against the Minnesota Twins and made four consecutive scoreless appearances to begin his Major League career (5.1 innings).
The 34-year-old combined to make 29 starts during the 2015 and 2016 seasons as a member of the Ducks. He accrued a 12-10 record with a 3.70 ERA, one complete game and 163 strikeouts over 172.2 innings of work. He also pitched eight scoreless innings over two playoff appearances (one start) in 2015. The Michigan native’s contract was purchased by the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in July of 2016. He spent parts of three seasons in the CPBL before joining Sultanes de Monterrey in the Mexican League during the second half of 2018, turning in a 3.42 ERA, one save and 28 strikeouts in 12 games (five starts). Downs was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2003 amateur draft.
Burgos pitched with the Arizona Diamondbacks for two seasons at the MLB level (2015-16). He made 73 relief appearances, compiling a 3-4 record, three saves and 82 strikeouts over 68.1 innings pitched. The Panama native tossed a scoreless inning in his Major League debut on April 29, 2015, against the Colorado Rockies. Burgos also spent time in the Atlanta Braves organization, pitching with Triple-A Gwinnett in 2017.
The 28-year-old split the 2018 season with Guerreros de Oaxaca and Pericos de Puebla in the Mexican League. He combined to go 2-1 with a 4.73 ERA in 16 games, striking out 14 batters over 13.1 innings. His best season came in 2014 with the Single-A Visalia Rawhide. He led the California League with 29 saves, ranked second with 55 appearances and turned in a 2.47 ERA with 83 strikeouts over 54.2 innings. For his efforts, he earned California League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star honors and was named an MiLB.com Organization All-Star. Burgos was originally signed by the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 2008.
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.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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