Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Reyes Moronta, who was dominant in relief for two seasons, has died. He was 31.
Reports say Moronta died in a traffic accident in the Dominican Republic, his home country. The Mexican Baseball League confirmed his death on social media.
"The Mexican Baseball League deeply regrets the death of former player Reyes Moronta," the translated post read. "We join in the grief that overwhelms his family, friends and former colleagues. Rest in peace."
Moronta had last played for Bravos de Leon, which also released a statement on his passing.
"We deeply regret the departure of Reyes Moronta," a translated post on X read. "We wish family and friends a quick resignation to this news. A hug to heaven."
⚫️Lamentamos profundamente la partida de Reyes Moronta. Deseamos a familia y amigos encuentren pronta resignación ante esta noticia.
Un abrazo hasta el cielo 🕊️. pic.twitter.com/BM54bbfVSe
— Bravos de León (@NacimosBravos) July 29, 2024
Per the Associated Press:
"Moronta spent parts of seven seasons with four different major league teams, including four-plus seasons with the Giants, from 2017 to 2023. The right-hander appeared in two games last season with the Los Angeles Angels before signing earlier this year with the Bravos de Leon, who released him last week.
"After appearing in seven games with the Giants in 2017, Moronta emerged as one of San Francisco's top relievers the following year. He went 8-9 with a 2.66 ERA in 125 combined relief appearances during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, striking out 149 batters over 121.2 innings."
Moronta injured his shoulder in September 2019 and missed the entire 2020 season. He then returned to the Giants the next year. For his career, he posted a 3.05 ERA in 177 total games with the Giants, Angels, LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Details of the traffic accident that took his life have not been reported.
