Ducks sign Rafael Perez, Angelo Songco and Elmer Reyes
(Central Islip, N.Y., March 28, 2017) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez, outfielder Angelo Songco and infielder Elmer Reyes. Perez and Songco each begin their first season with the Flock, while Reyes returns for his second stint with Long Island.
Perez spent seven seasons in the Major Leagues from 2006 to 2012, all with the Cleveland Indians. In 338 career MLB games, he compiled a 21-12 record with a 3.64 ERA, three saves and 268 strikeouts over 329 innings of work. During the 2007 season, he posted an impressive 1.78 ERA, 62 strikeouts and a .204 batting average against in 44 games, helping the Tribe reach the American League Championship Series. The following year, the southpaw totaled MLB career highs in appearances (73), innings pitched (76.1) and strikeouts (86).
The Freeport resident pitched with Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican Winter League in 2016, going a perfect 4-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 17 games. He also made 13 starts with Quintana Roo of the Mexican League in 2015, totaling a 5-5 record, a 1.99 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 81 and one-third innings. For his efforts, he earned Mid-Season All-Star honors. In addition to the Indians, the 34-year-old has pitched in the Twins, Red Sox, Pirates and Rangers organizations.
Songco joins the Ducks after playing with the St. Paul Saints of the American Association during the past three seasons. In 268 games, he totaled a .299 batting average, 46 home runs, 193 RBI, 175 runs and 62 doubles. He led the league in RBI (82) during the 2015 campaign while ranking fourth in home runs (17) and fifth in batting (.339).
Prior to his time with the Saints, the 28-year-old spent six seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, reaching as high as Double-A. In 2011 with Advanced-A Rancho Cucamonga, he posted career highs in home runs (29), RBI (114), runs (110), hits (167) and doubles (48). Those numbers earned him MiLB.com Organization All-Star honors as well as California League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star selections. The Loyola Marymount alum hit .263 with 77 homers and 335 RBI over 535 games in the Dodgers’ system. Songco was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2009 amateur draft.
Reyes returns to Long Island after playing in 18 games with the Flock during the 2015 season. He compiled a .380 batting average with six home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs, four doubles and two triples in that span. Defensively, the second baseman did not commit a single error in 71 chances. Last year, he played for the Nicaraguan National Team during the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. Reyes batted .313 (5-for-16) with two RBI, helping the squad reach the finals before falling to Mexico.
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)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games, and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{2db62e8169997a8d599beca7d6013ac1e46056278d69ddd3df039f4c0be21f7d} of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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