The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rodriguez’s wife, children seriously injured in crash
Braves newcomer Sean Rodriguez and his family were involved in a serious car accident in Miami on Saturday that reportedly left his two children in serious but stable condition.
Rodriguez, 31, who signed a two-year free-agent contract in November, was driving an SUV that police said was T-boned by a stolen police cruiser in an accident before 2 p.m. Saturday, killing the driver of the stolen car and leaving Rodriguez’s wife, Giselle, and two young children with unspecified injuries that required hospitalization, Miami TV station WSVN reported.
Rodriguez apparently escaped significant injury while Giselle was listed in fair condition at Kendall Regional Medical Center. The children were listed in serious condition at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
The Braves said in a brief statement Sunday night: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the health and well-being of Sean Rodriguez and his family as they recover from a car accident in Miami.”
Braves general manager John Coppolella reiterated on Monday that the only thing the Braves were concerned with was the health of the Rodriguez family.
WSVN reported that the stolen police car burst into flames after crashing into the side of the Chevy Suburban driven by Rodriguez.
Miami police said the driver of the police cruiser stole the vehicle from an officer near Southwest 16th Street and 107th Avenue in West Miami.
Shortly after driving off, he lost control, sideswiped one car and then hit the vehicle carrying the Rodriguez family.
Rodriguez, a Miami native, signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Braves after a career-best 2016 season as a “super utility” player with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He played seven different positions in 2016 and was likely to be the Braves’ primary second baseman to start the 2017 season, or share duties with Jace Peterson until prospect Ozzie Albies is ready.
Rodriguez might also play plenty at third base and be a backup at first base and the outfield.
He had career highs in most offensive categories in 2016, including batting average (.270), home runs (18), RBIs (56), on-base percentage (.349) and slugging percentage (.510) in his ninth season and second with Pittsburgh.