Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez dies from head injuries

Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez has died from head injuries suffered in a February boating accident in Venezuela his agent, Rafa Nieves, confirmed to MLB.com on Saturday.

Sanchez, 20, was in critical condition in a Caracas hospital since being hit by a boat while swimming in his native country on Feb. 14. He suffered a double skull fracture and brain hematoma, which prompted doctors to put him in an induced coma.

Mariners executive vice president and general manager Jack Zduriencik issued the following statement:

The Seattle Mariners are saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Sanchez. 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.

The right-hander was considered the 11th-ranked prospect in the Mariners' farm system according to MLB.com, and was just weeks away from reporting for spring training at the time of the accident.

Seattle signed Sanchez at the age of 16 to a reported $2.5 million signing bonus. He was touted as one of the top pitching prospects out of Venezuela at the time.