Former major league players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo were killed in an automobile crash early Friday after playing in a winter league game in Venezuela, according to multiple reports.
Valbuena turned 33 on Nov. 30. Castillo was 37.
Univision Sports, citing sources close to the players, reported Valbuena, Castillo and another player, former major leaguer Carlos Rivero, were traveling in Valbuena's car from Caracas' University Stadium to Barquisimento, where Lara is scheduled to play Friday and Saturday. Beisbolplay.com, citing a source, reported the car — which was being driven by Rivero's chauffeur — struck a rock and then went off the road in the state of Yarucuy.
Rivero survived the crash, Univision reported.
Valbuena, an infielder, played for five MLB clubs, most recently the Angels in 2017 and 2018. He began his career with the Mariners in 2008 and later played for the Indians, Cubs and Astros.
Valbuena played 96 games for the Los Angeles Angels this year before being released in August. He hit .226 with 114 home runs over 11 big league seasons with the Angels, Seattle, Cleveland, the Chicago Cubs and Houston.
Castillo, also an infielder, played five seasons in the majors for the Pirates, Giants and Astros from 2004-08. He had a .254 average with 39 home runs.
"We are living a horrible tragedy in Cardenales de Lara. We lost our players Luis Valbuena and José Castillo in a traffic accident," the Venezuelan club tweeted.
In a statement on Twitter, the Cubs said, "We are saddened by the passing of former Cub Luis Valbuena. The #Cubs organization sends its condolences to his family and friends."
"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," the Angels said in a statement.
