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The Major League Baseball community was delivered some sad news Friday morning, as free agent infielder Luis Valbuena and former major league infielder Jose Castillo died in a car accident in their native country of Venezuela after taking part in a winter league game Thursday night.
Details via OC Register:
The accident reportedly occurred when their car collided with a rock that rolled on to the road in the state of Yarucuy, in Valbuena’s native Venezuela.
According to reports, the car was being driven by the driver for former Arizona Diamondbacks player and winter ball teammate Carlos Rivero, both of whom survived.
We are saddened by the tragic news that Luis Valbuena and former major leaguer José Castillo have died in a car accident. pic.twitter.com/C3nILO00SE
— MLB (@MLB) December 7, 2018
Valbuena, 33, just finished a two-year deal with the Angels and finished a Major League career hitting .226/.310/.394 with 169 doubles and 114 home runs in 1,011 total games, including a 2015 campaign with Houston when he hit 25 dingers. He played infielder for the Mariners, Indians, Cubs, Astros and Angels.
RIP Luis Valbuena, who I’ll choose to remember for being the guy to bat flip anything from a walk to a single to a double to a home run. pic.twitter.com/fwSmx0lNHb
— TOM MARTIN (@TwoCirclesTom) December 7, 2018
We lost a good one. Always quick with a smile and down to have fun, Luis Valbuena epitomized love of the game. I’ll miss you friend. pic.twitter.com/i97jSvwC7E
— Houston Astros Orbit (@OrbitAstros) December 7, 2018
Castillo, 37, played in parts of five seasons in the Majors from 2004-08, posting career stats of .256/.297/.380 with 103 doubles, 39 homers and 13 steals in 592 games. He played mostly second base and third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants and the Houston Astros.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Angel Luis Valbuena and former MLB infielder José Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/GxegOtJXuB
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) December 7, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Pirates infielder José Castillo.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yKw7soe8Ic
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 7, 2018
Remembering Jose Castillo, who died Thursday at the age of 37 in an automobile accident in Venezuela. Jose played 465 games with the #Pirates between 2004 and 2007, including this wild win over Milwaukee in June 2006. #RIP pic.twitter.com/TRh5ye2yOw
— PGH Sports History (@PGH_Sports_Date) December 7, 2018
and here’s Jose Castillo making an incredible catch for Pittsburgh. both gone too soon😥 pic.twitter.com/pd9OPhsLBt
— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) December 7, 2018
RIP.
[h/t CBS Sports]