Report: Fernandez likely was driver
Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was the “probable” operator of a speeding boat that crashed into a Miami Beach jetty Sept. 25, killing the baseball star and two other men, according to a report issued Thursday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which investigated the accident.
The 46-page report included a seating chart that had Fernandez at the helm, based on “physical evidence” collected during the investigation, including the pitcher’s fingerprints and DNA on the steering wheel and throttle and projection of his body as he was thrown from the boat. It also listed drugs and alcohol as factors in the crash.
Fernandez’s 32-foot Sea Vee hit Miami’s Government Cut north jetty at 65.7 mph just after 3 a.m. Sept. 25, the report said. Fernandez and the boat’s other occupants — Emilio Jesus Macias, 27, and Eduardo Rivero, 25 — were ejected.
Investigators concluded that if Fernandez had survived the crash, he could have been charged with multiple crimes, including boating under the influence manslaughter; vessel homicide; and reckless or careless operation of a vessel.
Scherzer injured: National League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer probably will miss the Washington Nationals’ opener against Miami on April 3 because of a stress fracture in his right ring finger.
The injury had caused Scherzer to change the grip on his fastball, placing three fingers on top of the ball instead of two.
Padres sign Cuban pitcher: Cuban left-hander Osvaldo Hernandez agreed to a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres with a $2.5 million signing bonus.
The 18-year-old had a 0.92 ERA in 682⁄3 innings in Cuba’s under-18 league last year.