St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras killed in car accident

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras died in a car accident while driving in the Dominican Republic with his girlfriend, his familyand agent have confirmed.

Taveras was reportedly driving the car at the time of the crash. He was 22.

From MLB.com:

"Obviously, we have deep condolences to his family," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "We are still waiting for more details before issuing a full statement."

According to MLB.com, there are no other details available about Taveras' death.

Taveras made his major league debut for the Cardinals on May 31, 2014. He played in 80 games, batted .239 and hit three home runs. The outfielder was the third ranked prospect in Major League Baseball by Baseball America.

On Oct. 12, Taveras hit a game-tying home run in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals won the game, 5-4, but lost the series in five games.

Taveras was born in Puerto Plata, which is the place he was traveling to at the time of his death. Taveras also has a Canadian passport, and thought about playing for Team Canada in the 2012 World Baseball Classic. He stayed with the Cardinals in spring training instead.

Taveras' teammates and other players sent out messages about the rookie.

- Sarah Barshop