Figueroa loses battle with Lupus
Figueroa was a longtime Minor League pitcher in the Los Angeles system, playing for three different levels from 2002-'07.
"The entire Dodger family is stunned and saddened by the passing of Jonathan Figueroa," Dodgers Vice President of Scouting Logan White said in a statement.
"We signed him back in 2002 and got to know what a terrific person he was both on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Katitiana, and his two young children."
Figuero was signed as an non-drafted free agent in '02 and was initially billed as a top prospect after a formidable first pro season.
The lefty went 7-3 with a 1.42 ERA and a 105 strikeouts in 75 innings between the Rookie-level Pioneer League and the Class A South Atlantic League in '02. Baseball America rated him the Dodgers' No. 2 prospect that winter, placing him between current Dodger James Loney and Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson.
But he was never able to replicate the success of his first season, going 1-8 with 4.94 ERA as a 19-year-old in his second stint with South Georgia. Figueroa spent the following three seasons with Class A Advanced Vero Beach compiling ERA of 7.00, 6.00 and 7.29.
In his final season in the Minors in '07, Figueroa played in the Midwest League for the Great Lakes Loons and was used as a reliever. He went 1-0 in five appearances and allowed just one run while striking out 17 in 10 innings.
He spent 2008 pitching in independent leagues, and he went 5-1 with a 3.51 ERA in seven starts for Long Beach of the Golden League. He pitched in the American Association this year and was expected back with the Lincoln Salt Dogs in 2010.
Figueroa is survived by his wife, Katitiana, a 5-year-old son, Victor, and a 1-year-old daughter, Victoria.