Juan Lara (RP), currently unowned in the IBC, seriously hurt

[Padres]

Indians left-hander Juan Lara was seriously injured Saturday night in an automobile-motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic.

Lara, 26, suffered what an Indians spokesman called "life-threatening injuries" when the car he was in was struck by a motorcycle at an intersection in San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. The two riders on the motorcycle were killed instantly and Lara was hospitalized, according to Bart Swain, Indians director of media relations.

Swain said Lara's car was stopped at an intersection when the motorcycle hit the car broadside. Lara was pinned inside the car.

"We are monitoring the situation closely," said General Manager Mark Shapiro. "Our prayers are with Juan and his family."

Lino Diaz, Indians director of Latin American Operations, was dispatched to the Dominican to check on Lara's condition. Lara made one appearance with the Indians in 2007 and nine in 2006. He spent the majority of the 2007 season at Class AAA Buffalo, going 4-3 with a 3.88 ERA and two saves in 52 appearances. He struck out 50 and walked 27.

Lara has been in the Indians organization for nine years. He's on the 40-man roster and was pitching for Estrellas in the Dominican winter league.

http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2007/1 ... titialskip

He apparently was only 17 when he signed with the Indians.

[Royals]

Barely mentioned in the article is that both people on the motorcycle died. But, y'know, that's less important since they don't play baseball.