KHOU Staff, KHOU.com

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have confirmed that 20-year-old minor league pitcher Jose Rosario was killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday night in the Dominican Republic.

He was signed by the Astros as an 18-year-old minor league free agent in December 2013.

Rosario pitched the last two seasons in the Astros minor league system, splitting his 2015 season between the Dominican Summer League and the Gulf Coast League.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow released the following statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that we inform the Astros community of the passing of minor league pitcher Jose Rosario, who died last night in his native Dominican Republic. Our thoughts go out to Jose’s family, friends and many teammates.”

Astros Director of International Oz Ocampo released the following statement:

“Jose was a beloved member of the Astros Latin American program. He will be remembered as a long, lanky-framed pitcher with tremendous ability, an outgoing personality and an ever-positive disposition. He was a true student of the game and was constantly looking to learn and improve his abilities. He was also a supportive teammate, as he made it a point to encourage his fellow Astros and deliver that message with a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rosario family.”

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