Pirates catcher Elias Diaz’s mother has been kidnapped in Venezuela. The news was first reported by several media outlets in Venezuela.
Confirmado, secuestraron a la madre del grandeliga Zuliano de los Piratas de Pittburgh, Elías David Soto Diaz, en San Francisco, Estado Zulia. #Venezuela #MLB #Inseguridad pic.twitter.com/dD7VSxksQu
— Mari Montes ⚾️ (@porlagoma) February 8, 2018
Diaz’s mother was kidnapped in San Francisco, in the state of Zulia, on Thursday afternoon, according to a brief article on the Venezuelan website Meridiano.
Pirates president Frank Coonnelly said in a statement: “We are all shocked and deeply concerned for Elias’ mother, as well as for Elias and his entire family. We have Elias' mom and Elias' entire family in our prayers. We are using all of the resources available at the Pirates and Major League Baseball to support Elias and his family during this incredibly difficult time. As we work with authorities on his mom’s safe return, we will withhold further comment and ask that you please respect the family’s need for privacy.”
Kidnappings have been on the rise in Venezuela in the wake of the country’s unstable and violent political situation. Nicolas Maduro’s government has cracked down on opposition, staging undemocratic elections last year and prompting severe sanctions from the U.S. government. Several of the Pirates players have spoken out against the Venezuelan government and have not been home in years, including closer Felipe Rivero and Francisco Cervelli.
According to one report, Diaz is in the United States. Pirates pitchers and catchers report to spring training Monday in Bradenton, Fla.
Elizabeth Bloom: ebloom@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1750 and Twitter: @BloomPG.
First Published: February 8, 2018, 7:18 p.m.
