In a bit of horrible news this morning, Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez is reportedly in critical but stable condition after being struck in the head by a boat while swimming in his native Venezuela. According Lavinotinto.com, Sanchez, 20, required surgery and remained in intensive care throughout Saturday afternoon at a local Carúpano hospital. The Mariners were only able to confirm their knowledge of an accident to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune this morning, and no other details are currently known.
Sanchez signed a $2.5 million dollar contract bonus with the Mariners in 2011 and was recently ranked as the organization's 11th-best prospect by MLB.com for his efforts in AA Jackson last season. While he didn't receive an invitation to the Major League camp set to start this Friday, he was expected at the organization's Minor League camp in Peoria later in the month. While we wait for more details to emerge, our thoughts are with Sanchez and his family.