M's Sanchez hurt in boating accident

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

SEATTLE -- Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez is hospitalized in Venezuela after reportedly being struck in the head by a watercraft.

The Mariners could not comment Wednesday on Sanchez's condition, citing federal health reporting laws, but said the team was monitoring the situation. Sanchez remains in the hospital.

"We're there at every turn," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik told The Seattle Times. "We're in a position where we have to wait and listen to what the doctors say. There is no diagnosis at all yet. We don't know any outcome. We don't know where this will go."

According to MLB.com, the pitcher suffered a double skull fracture and a brain hematoma and is unconscious and in critical condition after having surgery. His agent, Rafa Nieves, told MLB.com that Sanchez has moved his legs.

The accident occurred Friday in the town of Carupano, the team said.

Sanchez, a 20-year-old right-hander from Venezuela, was 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA last season at Double-A Jackson. He signed with the Mariners in 2011.

"We thought for sure he was going to be a major league pitcher," Zduriencik told the Times. "And we still think he will be."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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