Family of Brayan Villarreal survives kidnapping attempt
Scary stuff from Tigers camp: The family of reliever Brayan Villarreal avoided an armed kidnapping attempt in their native Venezuela on Friday night. Thankfully, Villarreal's family was not harmed, and the 25-year-old right-hander will be able to remain in camp.
Tom Gage of the Detroit News notes the team has confirmed the news.
Kidnappings in Venezuela, which is rife with crime and politically destabilized, are not uncommon. To cite but one example, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos survived a kidnapping ordeal in November 2011.
Villarreal, who's expected to make the Tigers' roster as part of the right-handed setup corps, is slated to pitch Monday against the Braves. In 70 2/3 career innings at the major-league level, Villarreal has an ERA of 3.57.
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