NewsMarlins Minor Leaguer shot in Puerto Rico
Wounded in drive-by attack while driving through hometownBy John Schlegel / MLB.com
10/02/09 1:29 AM ET
Osvaldo Martinez, the 21-year-old Marlins Minor Leaguer who was shot several times in a drive-by attack in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, was the innocent victim of gangsters battling for control of drug distribution in public housing projects, according to The Associated Press.Police spokeswoman Maria Rivera told the AP that Martinez was driving through his hometown of Carolina, just east of the capital city of San Juan, when he was shot three times because it "seems that [gunmen] confused him with another person." There have been no arrests.
According to the report, Martinez was recovering from surgery and in stable condition. Emergency room physician Dr. Benjamin Rodriguez said his "wounds did not have complications and they did not injure organs."
The Marlins released a statement Wednesday night about the news: "The Florida Marlins are aware of a shooting incident involving Minor Leaguer Osvaldo Martinez in Puerto Rico this morning. At this time, we are trying to get more information. The entire organization's thoughts and prayers are with Osvaldo and his family."
Signed as an 11th-round pick in 2006, Martinez played in 130 games for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League, batting .254 with 54 runs scored, 45 RBIs and 16 steals. In Puerto Rico, Martinez played for the Criollos of Caguas and recently began playing with the Arecibo Wolves.
John Schlegel is a national reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
