Luis Arroyo, a left-handed pitcher who helped the Yankees win the 1961 World Series, died Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. He was 88.

Arroyo was diagnosed with cancer in December and his daughter, Milagros, told the Yankees her father died in his native Puerto Rico, per the AP.

A two-time All-Star, Arroyo is thought to be the first Puerto Rican-born player to appear for the Yankees. He pitched in his first game with New York on July 26, 1960, and played a key role on a club that won the American League pennant that season.

Arroyo was named an All-Star in 1961 and finished the regular season 15-5 with 29 saves, the most in the Majors. The lefty tossed two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in Game 3 of the '61 World Series against the Reds.

As a rookie with the Cardinals in 1955, Arroyo earned his first All-Star nod. He also pitched for the Pirates (1956-57) and Reds (1959) during an eight-year career in the Majors, compiling a 40-32 record with 45 saves and a 3.93 ERA.

When his playing career was over, Arroyo became a scout for the Yankees. He had been a popular player during Old-Timers' Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium in recent years.

**Austin Laymance** is a reporter for MLB.com.