CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Through the season’s first month, the Ducks were able to avoid losing any players to a major league-affiliated team.

That streak ended in a big way last night when the Phillies purchased Joe Valentine’s contract, assigning him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley of the International League. The move gives Valentine a chance to make it back to the big leagues but leaves the Ducks devoid of a closer who recorded six saves and 14 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings, logging a 1.62 ERA as one of the Atlantic League’s hardest throwers.

“We’re very happy for and proud of Joe,” Ducks principal owner Frank Boulton said in a statement. “He’s been an integral part of our pitching staff over the past two seasons, and we’re excited that he will have the opportunity to get back to the big leagues.”

Former Oriole Todd Williams, signed earlier in the week to fortify the set-up role, is one possibility to take over the closer’s role. The right-hander could also be used in front of Tom Martin, the ex-Colorado Rockies’ southpaw looking to return from a rib injury in the coming days.

Acting manager Bud Harrelson said he can use Williams, Ben Grezlovski and even Martin in the role when he returns from the inactive list. Manager Dave LaPoint will make the final decision when he returns from his son’s college graduation this weekend.

“We have to give Williams a chance to build himself up,” Harrelson said. “He’s a major league-quality closer. He just doesn’t have the timing yet as far as his release point. We’re open-minded and we need another pitcher. Dave’s been talking to a couple of guys. We’ll be all right.”

Valentine, a former Cincinnati Reds reliever, came to Long Island for the stretch drive last year. He quickly captured the eighth-inning role in front of then-closer Danny Graves, providing the Ducks a pair of MLB veterans that helped secure a playoff appearance.

The 28-year-old Deer Park resident struck out 37 batters in 35 innings in 2006, holding opposing hitters to a .208 average. On the eve of the season opener, Valentine said the key to getting back on the scouts’ radar is simply to continue getting batters out.

“If one guy out there in the front office of one team likes you, sometimes it’s the right place, right time,” Valentine said.

Pete Rose Jr. said the clubhouse was happy for Valentine even if his departure leaves a void in the bullpen.

“It couldn’t happen to a better guy,” Rose said. “Joe’s a good friend. That’s what we’re all here for. Nobody’s here to be a Duck. We’re all here to get back to the big leagues and get in organizations.

“It’s great for Joe and good things are going to happen for him because he goes out and battles and has good stuff. I’m glad someone finally took a chance on him. We wish him the best.”

Damian Rolls filled Valentine’s roster spot, starting at third base. A rib injury had sidelined Rolls since May 10, and rust showed in his 0-5 performance.

As one Duck returned to the lineup, Alex Sanchez gave the club another potential injury scare, crashing into the centerfield wall on Luis Lopez’s third-inning triple. Sanchez stayed down for several moments before the trainer arrived but got up and stayed in the game.

Sanchez lined 10 hits in 15 at-bats, ripping four extra base hits and scoring seven runs through his first three games before cooling off slightly last night.

As a leadoff batter, Harrelson said the one-time Detroit Tiger can be a table-setter for run-producers like Carl Everett, Pete Rose Jr. and Ray Navarrete.

“These guys have to be rubbing their hands together because he [Sanchez] is going to be in scoring position and he’s going to be on base a lot,” Harrelson said. “He hasn’t been here that long but he’s got more hits in three games than I had in a month.

“But I got a lot more walks,” the long-time Mets’ shortstop added with a laugh.