Pirates stunned by kidnapping

Pirates catcher Elias Diaz’s mother has been kidnapped in Venezuela. The news was first reported by several media outlets in Venezuela.

Diaz’s mother was kidnapped in San Francisco, in the state of Zulia, on Thursday afternoon, according to an article on the Venezuelan website Meridiano.

Pirates president Frank Coonnelly said in a statement: “We are all shocked and deeply concerned for Elias’ mother, as well as for Elias and his entire family. We have Elias’ mom and Elias’ entire family in our prayers. We are using all of the resources available at the Pirates and Major League Baseball to support Elias and his family during this incredibly difficult time. As we work with authorities on his mom’s safe return, we will withhold further comment and ask that you please respect the family’s privacy.”

Kidnappings have been on the rise in Venezuela in the wake of the country’s unstable and violent political situation. Nicolas Maduro’s government has cracked down on opposition prompting severe sanctions from the U.S. government.

Several Pirates players, including closer Felipe Rivero and Francisco Cervelli, have spoken out against the Venezuelan government and have not been home in years. According to a report, Diaz is in the United States. Pirates pitchers and catchers report to spring training Monday in Bradenton, Fla.

Mets

Right-hander Zack Wheeler beat New York in salary arbitration. Wheeler gets a raise from $800,000 to $1.9 million instead of the Mets’ $1.5 million offer. Wheeler had Tommy John surgery on March 25, 2016, and returned to the Mets last spring. He went 3-7 with a 5.21 ERA in 17 starts.

Elsewhere

The baseball players union will open its own spring training camp for the first time since the end of the 1994-95 strike, inviting free agents to work out at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Union head Tony Clark said the camp will open Tuesday and workouts will start the following day under Bo Porter, the Houston Astros’ manager in 201314. The camp is scheduled to run through March 4, and the union has the option to extend the camp through the end of the month. More than 100 players who exercised their right to become free agents in November are without final agreements. Teams start spring training workouts next Wednesday.