Pitcher's mother rescued after kidnapping in Venezuela

Associated Press

Caracas, Venezuela -- The mother of former major league pitcher Victor Zambrano has been rescued after a three-day kidnapping ordeal, Venezuelan authorities said Wednesday.

Elizabeth Mendez Zambrano, 56, was rescued Tuesday during a "commando-style operation" in the central state of Aragua, Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores Trosel said.

Trosel said Mendez Zambrano was held in a makeshift dwelling near a highway, where she was only once offered food.

Three men have been detained, including two brothers and one man wanted for homicide, Trosel said. He said a fourth suspect has been identified, a 24-year-old man wanted nationally for homicide and robbery.

Police said seven armed men burst into Mendez Zambrano's home at her son's farm near Maracay on Sunday morning and kidnapped her because they didn't find large amounts of cash and jewelry.

Zambrano's mother was abducted nine days after the former big league pitcher's cousin, Richard Mendez Zambrano, was kidnapped and later killed. Police have declined to comment on whether the two incidents were related.

Crime is rampant in Venezuela, which is home to dozens of major league players, and the families of wealthy athletes are periodically targeted by kidnappers. Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba's son and brother-in-law were released by kidnappers a day after they were abducted in June.

Zambrano played for Tampa Bay, the New York Mets, Toronto and Baltimore. The right-hander had a career record of 45-44 with a 4.64 ERA.

He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2007, and currently plays in Venezuela's winter league.