Former Giants third baseman Jose Castillo and Luis Valbuena, who played with the Angels in 2018, died Thursday from a tragic car accident in Venezuela.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that Luis Valbuena and former #SFGiants infielder José Castillo have died in a car accident. pic.twitter.com/kFBLeopeRT— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) December 7, 2018
Castillo, 37, and Valbuena, 33, were playing winter ball in Venezuela. The two were teammates on the Cardenales de Lara. Reports from the Orange County Register confirm their car hit a rock and went off the road while traveling after a game.
Castillo last played in the majors in 2008. He was the Giants' Opening Day third baseman that season where he hit .244 with six home runs in 112 games for San Francisco before the Astros claimed him off waivers in August.
Valbuena had an 11-year MLB career where he hit .226 with 114 home runs for five different teams.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to all the families and friends affected by the devastating car crash.
