Elias Diaz’ mother kidnapped in Venezuela

Awful news:

There’s a bit more detail on the Pirates Prospects site (sub. req’d). Witnesses reported three armed gunmen entered the house and also apparently got the license number of the van.

The possibility of kidnap for ransom — although there’s no confirmation yet that this is such a case — is the disturbing reality that Venezuelan ballplayers have had to live with for years now, thanks to the failed state under Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro. Hopefully, this incident will end with everybody safe and sound.