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Kanas City Royals right-handed pitcher Yordano Ventura was killed in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic on Sunday. He was 25. "It is with a heavy and broken heart that we confirm the passing of Yordano Ventura," Royals vice president of communications and broadcasting Mike Swanson wrote on Twitter.
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The hard-throwing Ventura came up with Royals in 2013, posting a 38-31 career record with a 3.89 ERA and 470 strikeouts in 547 2/3 innings.
"Our prayers right now are with Yordano's family as we mourn this young man's passing," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in a statement. "He was so young and so talented, full of youthful exuberance and always brought a smile to everyone he interacted with. We will get through this as an organization, but right now is a time to mourn and celebrate the life of Yordano."
Ventura was a friend of former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Tavares, who was killed in a car crash in the Dominican Republic in 2014 at the age of 22.
"RIP Yordano Ventura. Awful news. Ruined the day. Way too young. Prayers to the families and everyone involved!" Marcus Stroman of the Toronto Blue Jays wrote on Twitter.
Ventura died on the same day former major league prospect Andy Marte was killed in a separate car crash in the Dominican Republic. Marte, 33, was playing winter league baseball for Las Aguilas Cibaenas.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura," MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "It's never easy to lose a member of our fraternity, and there are no words to describe the feeling of losing two young men in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, teammates and fans throughout the United States and Latin America."
