Former major league pitcher Pascual Perez has been killed in his home in the Dominican Republic during an apparent robbery, according to reports.
A statement from police in the Dominican said Perez was attacked by several people inside his home west of the country's capital, Santo Domingo, according to The Associated Press.
Perez, 55, was hit in the head but police are investigating the cause of death. No suspects have been announced and no arrests have been made. Dominican Today and several Dominican newspapers reported that Perez suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck.
Perez's ex-wife Maritza Montero found his body about 8:30 a.m. Thursday and investigators said he appeared to have been slain about eight hours earlier.
Pascual Perez last played in the majors with the New York Yankees in 1991. He was suspended in 1992 following two positive tests for cocaine. In recent years, he has had kidney problems.
"We were shocked to hear the news of Pascual Perez' death earlier today," said Braves president John Schuerholz in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during the aftermath of this tragic event. Pascual left his mark with the Braves organization and will always be remembered fondly by Braves fans."
