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Orioles minor leaguer dies following car crash in Dominican Republic

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Baltimore Orioles minor leaguer Miguel Gonzalez died Monday, the team announced, two days after the 21-year-old right-hander was badly injured in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic.

"Our organization is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Miguel Gonzalez," Orioles general manager Dan Duquette said in a statement. "Miguel was beloved by his teammates and coaches in the Dominican Republic. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time."

Signed by the Orioles in 2014, Gonzalez spent the last three seasons pitching for the club's affiliate in the Dominican Summer League, putting up a 7.65 ERA while notching 60 strikeouts in 13 starts and 25 relief appearances.

The Orioles will hold a moment of silence in Gonzalez's honor prior to Monday's game at Camden Yards against the Boston Red Sox.

Gonzalez, who grew up in Bani, is the fourth professional baseball player to be killed in a car crash in the Dominican Republic in the past three years. In October 2014, Oscar Taveras, then a promising St. Louis Cardinals prospect, died along with his girlfriend after his Chevrolet Camaro ran off the road and into a tree in Puerto Plata. This past January, Kansas City Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura and former Cleveland Indians infielder Andy Marte were killed in separate crashes in the Dominican Republic on the same day.

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