Central Islip, N.Y. ? Two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez, limited to one at-bat in the majors last season because of a hamstring injury, reached a deal Thursday to play for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League.

The 36-year-old Gonzalez agreed to a minor-league contract with Boston during spring training, but did not play for the Red Sox. He is expected to join the Ducks on Saturday.

Gonzalez has 434 homers, 1,404 RBIs and a .295 batting average in 17 major-league seasons. He has been hampered by injuries for several years and was hurt during his only at-bat last season with Cleveland.