8°c Sunny
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
Tigers say RHP Brayan Villarreal's family unharmed in kidnapping attempt in Venezuela
DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers say reliever Brayan Villarreal is not expected to leave spring training after his family escaped unharmed from a kidnapping attempt in Venezuela on Friday night.
Villarreal has remained with the team. Manager Jim Leyland did not want to comment further about the matter, saying Sunday: "The less said, the better."
Villarreal went 3-5 with a 2.63 ERA last year in 50 appearances. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out 66 hitters in 54 2-3 innings.
Security back home has been a concern in recent years for Venezuelan players and their families because of a rising wave of kidnappings.
Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was abducted outside his family's home shortly after the end of the 2011 season and rescued by police commandos two days later.
In June 2009, Colorado Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba's 11-year-old son and brother-in-law were kidnapped and released a day later.
The mother of former pitcher Ugueth Urbina, a two-time All-Star, spent more than five months in captivity until she was rescued in early 2005.
Fact Check
Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.
More Baseball
- Back to Top
- Return to Baseball
Poll
Most Popular Baseball
- Goldeyes sweep doubleheader, jump to 6-0
- Canseco says he's been falsely accused
- Vendor fired at Houston's Minute Maid Park after taking tray of snow cones into bathroom
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Bautista homers twice and delivers game-winning RBI as Jays beat Rays 4-3
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Fish finally seeing green
- The Natural: Gattis hits first career grand slam, Braves rout Twins 8-3 for 6th straight win
- 2013 Goldeyes schedule
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Goldeyes general glowing
- Goldeyes sweep doubleheader, jump to 6-0
- Canseco says he's been falsely accused
- Dickey's wobblers save Jays
- Fish prepping for opener in Texas
- Jays recall outfielder Gose from Buffalo, much to outfielder's surprise
- Goldeyes send pair of players packing
- Goldeyes' hurler living the dream, even in nightmare of first pro outing
- Goldeyes general glowing
- Goldeyes shuffle roster on road trip
- Goldeyes release pair of pitchers
- Rift repaired, Little League and family of founder Carl Stotz collaborate on museum exhibit
- Fish thrust into eye of storm for opener
- Trial where ex-wife wants Dodger divorce settlement thrown out ends; ruling expected in summer
- Rain cancels game between Goldeyes and Amarillo
- Back at ballpark after being hit by line drive, pitcher JA Happ says 'I feel really fortunate'
- Fish prepping for opener in Texas
- Rockies INF D.J. LeMahieu works his way back to the big leagues, LHP Francis goes on 15-day DL
- 2013 Goldeyes schedule
- Happy campers
- Goldeyes' hurler living the dream, even in nightmare of first pro outing
- MLB suspends, fines umpires after acknowledging 2nd mistake in 2 days
- Goldeyes release pair of pitchers
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.