As the Philadelphia Phillies prepared to face off in the NLCS Game 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, heartbreaking news emerged that a member of the Phillies family had passed away. This sudden reminder of the fragility of life put the game into perspective and served as a sobering moment for everyone involved.
According to a report by journalist Darvinson Rojas Sánchez, a young prospect named Alexeis Azuaje tragically passed away in a traffic accident on the Charallave-Ocumare del Tuy highway in Miranda, Venezuela. Azuaje was only 21 years old.
Sánchez confirmed that Azuaje was behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta that collided with a utility pole.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of two individuals, Yeison Gómez Viera and Jorgelis Soto Luna. Unfortunately, Luis Rojas Vegas also suffered injuries as a result of the incident.
El prospecto de los Philadelphia Phillies, Alexeis Azuaje, de 21 años, falleció en un accidente de tránsito en la autopista Charallave-Ocumare del Tuy, a la altura de Alfareria Continental C.A. de Matalinda, en el estado Miranda.
El segunda base de los Clearwater Threshers… pic.twitter.com/fq8idZrF7n
— Darvinson Rojas Sánchez (@DarvinsonRojas) October 24, 2023
Professional career
In 2019, the Phillies welcomed a talented second baseman into their organization, who has since shown great promise. His most recent stint was with the Clearwater Threshers in the Florida State League during the year 2022. The player appeared in 38 games for the Phillies’ Single-A affiliate that season, where he showcased impressive hitting skills with an average of .285.
There are currently no statistics available for Azuaje’s performance in the 2023 season.
Throughout his time in the minors, Azuaje showcased his impressive skills on the field, playing in 111 professional games with a .292 batting average, an .822 OPS, 11 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. In addition to his versatility as an outfielder, he also demonstrated his ability to play third base and shortstop.
In anticipation of the 2022 season, FanGraphs identified Azuaje as a prospect worth monitoring within the Phillies’ development program. According to their report, “Azuaje was age-appropriate for the GCL and crushed it there, but he’s physically mature for any kind of prospect let alone a 19-year-old.” The report also highlighted Azuaje’s potential, making him someone to keep an eye on moving forward. FanGraphs had previously projected him as a promising player in the Phillies’ system.
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