Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura has reportedly died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic.
Mike Swanson, the Vice President of Communication and Broadcasting for the Royals, confirmed the news of Ventura's death.
It is with a heavy and broken heart that we confirm the passing of Yordano Ventura. The club will release a statement soon. #RIPAce
— Mike Swanson (@Swanee54) January 22, 2017
Ventura was 25-years-old. He made his debut with the Royals on Sept. 7, 2013 against the Cleveland Indians. He had 39 wins with the Royals.
The Royals sent the following statement to KMTV's sister station, KSHB in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Royals regretfully announce the passing of Yordano Ventura, who perished in a car accident last night in the Dominican Republic. There are no details available at this time regarding the accident that claimed the life of the 25-year old Ventura.
“Our prayers right now are with Yordano’s family as we mourn this young man’s passing,” said Dayton Moore, Royals’ Senior VP of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “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 spent his entire professional career in the Royals’ organization after signing as a non-drafted free agent in 2008 and debuting for the club on September 17, 2013. He pitched in two World Series (2014, 2015) with Kansas City, helping the franchise win their second World Series championship in 2015. He held a 38-31 career record in 94 games and 93 starts at the Major League level, while he also made nine postseason starts before the age of 25.
Ventura also played for the Storm Chasers in 2013 and made two rehab starts in Omaha as recently as 2015.
