San Francisco Giants Minor League Pitcher Critically Injured in Car Crash

A minor league pitcher for the San Francisco Giants was seriously injured in a car accident in the Dominican Republic on Monday morning, authorities said.

Antonio Jiménez, 24, suffered fractures to his spine and femur as well as multiple lacerations in the accident, which involved an SUV and two scooters in the town of San Pedro de Macorís, about an hour east of Santo Domingo. Three men died in the accident, according to Dominican outlet Conexión 23.

Jiménez was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, the outlet reported.

“We are aware of the tragic car accident involving one of our players, Antonio Jimenez, and are in the process of gathering more information,” the Giants said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Out of respect for everyone affected and due to the ongoing investigation, we will refrain from further comment.”  

The promising young pitcher was currently playing for the Toros del Este in the Liga Dominicana winter league. The team confirmed the accident in a statement on X.

“Our prayers are with our pitcher Antonio Jiménez, who suffered several injuries in a regrettable traffic accident,” the team said. “We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the incident.”

Jiménez joined the Giants as a minor league free agent last offseason after singing with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018.

Last year, he played the entire season with Triple-A Sacramento, posting a 3.55 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 45.2 innings.