Caracas, Venezuela – Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been rescued after being kidnapped in his native Venezuela.
Information Minister Andres Izarra said via Twitter that Ramos was freed following an air rescue operation in the Montalban mountain area. Izarra tweeted "Ramos free!"
Ramos was reportedly taken from his home Wednesday night by four armed gunmen.
"I am happy to announce that I have spoken directly with Wilson and he assures me he is unharmed but eager to be reunited with his family," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. "He asked me to thank all who played a role in his rescue, and all those who kept him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. I join Wilson in thanking the many law enforcement officials in Venezuela and investigators with Major League Baseball who worked tirelessly to ensure a positive ending to what has been a frightening ordeal. The only detail that concerns us tonight is that Wilson is safe. The entire Washington Nationals family is thankful that Wilson Ramos is coming home."
As a rookie last season, the 24-year-old Ramos batted .267 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in 113 games.
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