Indians reliever Lara remains hospitalized

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Indians reliever Juan Lara remained hospitalized in the Dominican Republic on Monday with serious injuries sustained in a fatal accident that killed two people on a motorcycle.

Lara, who pitched in one game for Cleveland last season, was returning from a winter-league game Saturday night in San Pedro de Macoris when the sports utility vehicle he was driving was hit by a speeding motorcycle, killing both its rider and passenger, Indians spokesman Bart Swain said.

Lara was stopped at an intersection when he was struck on the driver's side. He was pinned inside the vehicle. Lara's girlfriend was with him at the time.

Swain couldn't provide any specific details on either of their conditions.

Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was the first to report the accident to the Indians, Swain said.

"The only concern we have right now is Juan's overall health," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers as we continue to monitor his status."

Lara may need to be transported to the U.S. for surgery, Swain said.

The Indians sent Lino Diaz, director of Latin American Operations, to the Dominican Republic to check on Lara's condition. He was expected to arrive Monday night.

The 26-year-old Lara, originally signed by the Indians in 1999, spent most of last season with Class AAA Buffalo. He was recalled from the minors on Sept. 4 and made his only appearance for the Indians two days later, working 1½ innings against the Los Angeles Angels.

The left-hander pitched in nine games for the Indians in 2006. That year, Lara also pitched for Buffalo and Class AA Akron, compiling a 5-3 record before making his major-league debut Sept. 8 against the White Sox.