Former VSL Rays prospect Dueñas dead at 22

Former Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Carlos Dueñas, who played for the VSL and DSL Rays during the 2007-2008 seasons, died from gunshot wounds in his homeland of Venezuela on Monday night. He was 22.

This article, when roughly translated, says that Dueñas was shot three times by a 25 year old man, who was killed by a witnessing police officer. Although the translation was not entirely clear, it sounds like the incident could have been an attempted robbery.

Dueñas last played for the Rays in 2008, where he appeared in 21 games (5 starts), recording a 4-2 record and a 4.93 ERA. He struck out 34 in 49.1 innings pitched. He also pitched for the DSL and VSL Rays in 2007, where he was 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA. Dueñas spent the 2006 season with the VSL Dodgers team.

According to the article, Dueñas retired this past season to spend time with his pregnant wife, but was expecting to return to baseball this season. He pitched for a club team in Venezuela this season.

Dueñas survivors' included his wife, child, and mother. His Baseball Reference profile can be viewed here.