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Former Angels infielder Luis Valbuena passes away in tragic car accident in Venezuela

Awful news.

Houston Astros v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

According to a report, Luis Valbuena has passed away due to a car accident in Venezuela.

The accident was, apparently, due to a rock that had rolled onto the road. Valbuena was not driving the car at the time at the accident.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as that of former Pirates’ second baseman Jose Castillo.

Valbuena did not fare well with the Angels from a productivity standpoint, but it never once prevented him from playing the game he loved with outsized joy and fervor.

Perhaps this is none greater displayed than September 13, 2017, when Luis Valbuena homered off Mike Fiers and bat flipped; Fiers took it personally, throwing behind Valbuena. Valbuena retaliated only as he knew how, ripping a double into right field and bat flipping before beginning his journey to second base.

Rest in peace, Luis. Rest in peace.