Multiple MLB facilities in Dominican Republic ransacked by robbers

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Armed criminals have been going after Major League Baseball facilities in the Dominican Republic, with the most recent robbery happening at the Detroit Tigers complex in San Pedro de Macoris’ countryside on Wednesday.

According to local police spokesman Diego Pesqueira, the robbers entered the facility with guns and restrained the security guard. No injuries resulted as the robbers tied and muffled the security guard before stealing cash and other valuables in the players’ room.

“The usual practice of this robberies in the past have been taking only baseball equipment,” MLB insider Héctor Gómez said on X.

One man was successfully apprehended, but the police are still on the lookout for four accomplices on the run.

The robbery happened after the St. Louis Cardinals complex in Boca Chica was intruded on last Friday, leaving players and staff members “shaken.”

“This was scary on many fronts,” Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, said in a statement. No one was injured, according to Mozeliak, but the Cardinals are reassessing their complex’s security.

Tigers’ performance

The Tigers are currently eyeing Justice Bigbie as one of their current prospects due to his combination of quality contact, all-field hitting and plate discipline. Tigers president of operations Scott Harris said that Bigbie got a lot better this year and is ready to get even better.

Starting his season at High-A West Michigan, Bigbie’s fourth stop of this year was the Fall League. He then jumped to Double-A Erie and helped the SeaWolves at an Eastern League playoff spot before spending September at Triple-A-Toledo.

In addition, Tigers second baseman Zach McKinstry was recently nominated as one of three finalists for an American League Gold Glove Award in the utility category on Wednesday. Other nominees are Mauricio Dubon of the Houston Astros and Taylor Walls of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Over the 148 games in the 2023 season, McKinstry hit .231 with nine home runs, 44 walks and 113 strikeouts. The 28-year-old demonstrated top-notch defensive skills throughout the season, playing multiple positions and excelling.