Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero was given Monday off after three cousins died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic.
Three males, all first cousins, were killed in the Sunday crash, said Tim Mead, vice president of communications for the Angels. The deceased -- Fernando Guerrero, 26; Salvador Carmona, 25; and Henry Guerrero, 23 -- were all buried Monday in the Dominican Republic. Few other details about the wreck were available.
The 2004 AL MVP was given the day off "to spend his time getting in contact with family members. [General manager] Bill Stoneman and [manager] Mike Scioscia felt it was best for Vladimir to have some time to tend to whatever he needs to tend to," Mead said.
Mead said he expected Guerrero, who was planning on leaving the team later this week to join the Dominican Republic team in preparation for the World Baseball Classic, to be back in camp on Tuesday.
"Anytime something like this happens everybody feels it," Scioscia said. "It's a tough time for Vladdy. He's excited about playing baseball and excited about a lot of things, but unfortunately this happened and, obviously, there are other priorities."
