Ducks re-sign two-time Atlantic League champion closer

(Central Islip, N.Y., April 8, 2014) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of pitcher Leo Rosales. The two-time Atlantic League champion and 2013 All-Star returns for his third season with the Ducks and in the Atlantic League.

“Leo has been an integral part of our back-to-back championship teams,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “He’s been very successful as our closer and is eager to win another title on Long Island.”

Rosales spent the entire 2013 season with the Ducks, earning 18 saves in 39 regular season games. He posted a 2-2 record with a 2.35 ERA and 45 strikeouts to just 16 walks in 38 and one-third innings of work. The Los Angeles native was selected to play in the Atlantic League All-Star Game and tossed a scoreless inning. During the playoffs, he compiled a 1.80 ERA and earned saves in four games, including the championship-clinching Game Five victory over the Somerset Patriots.

The right-hander originally joined the Ducks in September of 2012. He tied a franchise record by earning the save in all three Ducks victories during the Liberty Division Championship Series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He then went on to throw two innings during the Atlantic League Championship Series and earned the win in Game Five against the Lancaster Barnstormers.

The 32-year-old spent three seasons in the Major Leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2008 through 2010. He compiled a 5-2 record with 61 strikeouts in 76 games. The righty has 10 seasons of professional baseball experience and a career minor league record of 38-24 with a 2.69 ERA and 106 saves in 391 games. Rosales was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 20th round of the 2003 amateur draft.

In an additional transaction, the Ducks have released right-handed pitcher Saul Rivera.

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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