Astros' Rosario killed in motorcycle crash

Astros prospect Jose Rosario was killed Sunday night in a motorcycle crash in the Dominican Republic, the team confirmed today.

Rosario, a 20-year-old right-hander, had appeared in 34 Minor League games for the Astros since he signed as a free agent in 2013.

"It is with a heavy heart that we inform the Astros community of the passing of Minor League pitcher Jose Rosario, who died last night in his native Dominican Republic," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said in a statement. "Our thoughts go out to Jose's family, friends and many teammates."

The 6-foot-6 Rosario signed with the Astros on Dec. 13, 2013, and made his debut June 2, 2014, with Houston's Rookie-level Dominican Summer League affiliate. He moved up to the Gulf Coast League this past summer and finished the 2015 season a combined 4-6 with a 4.40 ERA in 18 outings, including eight starts, between the two clubs. In 104 2/3 career innings, Rosario was 6-10 with a 4.13 ERA and 86 strikeouts, 33 walks and one save. His last outing came on Aug. 28.

Astros international director Oz Ocampo said Rosario was "constantly looking to learn and improve."

"Jose was a beloved member of the Astros' Latin American program," Ocampo said. "He will be remembered as a long, lanky-framed pitcher with tremendous ability, an outgoing personality and an ever-positive disposition. He was a true student of the game and was constantly looking to learn and improve his abilities."

Rosario was born in Salcedo in the Dominican Republic. He turned in one of the best starts of his career this past year when he struck out a career-high eight batters and allowed just two hits over five innings against the DSL Indians on June 13. He threw three hitless innings against the GCL Yankees on July 17 and tossed four more hitless frames in relief against the GCL Tigers on Aug. 10.

"He was also a supportive teammate, as he made it a point to encourage his fellow Astros and deliver that message with a smile on his face," Ocampo said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rosario family."