Seattle Mariners prospect dies 42 days after injury

CARACAS, Venezuela - Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez died Saturday night from head injuries he suffered in a boating accident last month, his Venezuelan team announced.

The Caracas Lions issued a statement saying the 20-year-old player died after being in a coma 42 days. Sanchez was swimming on Feb. 14 when he was struck in the head by the propeller of a motorboat at a beach in the Venezuelan coastal town of Campano.

The right-handed pitcher was 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA last season at Double-A Jackson. He signed with the Mariners in 2011.

"The Seattle Mariners are saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Sanchez," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Victor was a tremendous young man and a wonderful teammate. He was a very talented player who was close to fulfilling his promise as a Major Leaguer. He will be missed by his teammates, and the coaches and staff at the Mariners.

"The entire Mariners organization sends our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time."

Former teammates and others in the Mariners organization took to social media to mourn Sanchez: