Report: Former MLB pitcher Odalis Perez dead at 44

FILE PHOTO: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Odalis Perez pitches the first inning of their MLB baseball game against the New York Mets in Washington September 16, 2008. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

March 11, 2022

Former major league pitcher Odalis Perez died Thursday after an accident at his home in the Dominican Republic, according to multiple media reports. He was 44.

Perez’s attorney, Walin Batista, told ESPN the left-hander appeared to have fallen off a ladder while he was home alone. His brother found Perez after arriving at the house.

“We don’t yet know the cause of death, but all indications are that Odalis slipped down a ladder,” Batista told ESPN. “This is a tragedy.”

Perez spent 10 years with the majors and broke into Atlanta in 1998 at the age of 20. After three seasons with Atlanta, Perez joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-player trade that sent Gary Sheffield to the Braves.

In his debut season in Los Angeles in 2002, Perez made the only All-Star Game of his career and finished the season with career-highs in wins (15), starts (32), ERA (3.00) and strikeouts (155). ). He also hit his lone career home run that year.

Perez finished his career with a 73-82 record with a 4.46 ERA over 252 appearances (221 starts). He also spent time with the Kansas City Royals (2006-07) and the Washington Nationals (2008).

–Field level media