The Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League recently announced the signing of ex-MLB right-handed pitcher Al Alburquerque.
The seven-year MLB veteran begins his first season with the Ducks and 15th in professional baseball.
“I look forward to joining the Long Island Ducks this season at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, becoming part of the Central Islip community and getting to know the fans,” Alburquerque said on LIDucks.com. “My goal for this season is the same as the team goal: to bring home the fifth Atlantic League championship for our fans and my teammates.”
Alburquerque, 36, pitched for four MLB teams, including five seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2011-15) and one apiece with the Los Angeles Angels (2016), Kansas City Royals (2017) and Chicago White Sox (2017).
Alburquerque posted a 17-8 record with a 3:16 ERA, one save and 291 strikeouts to 135 walks over 245 innings in 264 contests.
Additionally, Alburquerque, who the Chicago Cubs inked as an amateur free agent in 2006, took the mound in 14 playoff tilts with the Tigers, going 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 14 strikeouts. He helped Detroit reach the World Series in 2012 and the American League Championship Series in 2011 and 2013.
Plus, he has foreign baseball experience, as the righty has spent the 2021 season with Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League, recording a 2.78 ERA, one save, 26 strikeouts and just five walks across 22.2 innings in 24 games. The Dominican Republic native also pitched with Monclova in 2019, putting up a 1-1 mark with a 3.27 ERA, four saves and 38 strikeouts over 52 appearances (52.1 innings).
Check out the video below as a caller discuses Al Alburquerque with WFAN’s with the great Mike Francesa.
— Jerry Del Priore
Photo: Long Island Ducks
Brooklyn Sports World/NY NJ Sports World 