A 19-year-old Cincinnati Reds minor league pitcher was killed and two of his teammates were injured Saturday in a crash in the Dominican Republic.
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Jairo Capellan was killed in the morning crash. Pitcher Raul Hernandez, 19, is in “critical but stable” condition and outfielder Emilio Garcia, 19, is “receiving treatment but is alert and conscious,” according to an update from the Reds Sunday.
The teammates are being monitored by local doctors and Reds medical staff.
“We will continue communicating with our Dominican Republic medical staff and will provide updates as details become available,” Reds President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams told WCPO. “We are thinking of and praying for the families.”
Teammates, coaches and staff attended Capellan’s funeral Sunday in Santo Domingo.
“We received this terrible news and send our condolences and support to the families, friends and teammates of Jairo, Raul and Emilio”, said Reds Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini. “Our Dominican operations are an integral part of the Reds organization, and this tragedy affects us all. We will remain closely involved to help everyone through this difficult time.”
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Details about the crash were not released. The cause is unknown.
The three players were born in Santo Domingo and played for the DSL Reds in the Rookie Dominican Summer League in 2018.
“Jairo was a talented young pitcher with a bright future who was taken from us much too soon,” said Joe Noboa, Reds Latin America field coordinator. “He will be missed by everyone who knew him-his teammates, coaches and our Dominican Academy staff.”