Puerto Rican bullpen catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, Jean Carlos Ramírez, has died, the team reported Tuesday.
He was 28 years old.
The Rays did not release details about the native Bayamon, PR player.
Ramírez was a catcher of the bullpen of the ninth, who published the reactions of several members of the team through the Twitter social network.
“Jean played in our organization and most recently he was the big team bullpen catcher. He was a loving partner and friend,” said Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Central Florida franchise.
“As we face this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the time we shared with Jean,” Neander added.
Ramirez was selected by the Rays in round 28 of the 2016 rookie draft from the University of Illinois. That same year, infielder Delvin Pérez was selected in the first round on turn 23.
He attended high school in Fort Worth, Texas, where he moved in with his family.
Ramírez played 66 games over three seasons in the minor leagues.
In his final season, in 2018, he played 19 games with the Tampa Bay affiliate Princeton Rays in the rookie league.
“He had a big heart and an infectious smile,” Cash said.
“We extend our deep condolences to his family and friends. Jean will be missed,”.
