Former MLB pitcher Juan Jaime has tragically passed away at the age of 37 following a heart attack, according to reports.
Jaime played for the Atlanta Braves during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, making 18 appearances over that span. MLB insider Hector Gomez confirmed that the Dominican pitcher died after suffering the fatal heart attack.
Jaime’s career began in 2007 when he signed as an amateur free agent with the Washington Nationals. He debuted with their rookie-level Dominican Summer League team that same year, before briefly joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011.
The right-handed pitcher signed with the Braves in August 2011, where he struck out 19 batters and walked 13 in 70 plate appearances. In 2014, he posted a 5.84 ERA across 16 relief appearances. The following year, he allowed just one run in 1.1 innings over two appearances.
Jaime finished his MLB career with a 5.93 ERA and a more favorable 4.38 FIP. In 2015, the Braves traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a six-player deal, but he spent the remainder of the season in the Dodgers’ farm system.
After leaving MLB, Jaime moved to Japan to play for the Chunichi Dragons. However, his stint there was short-lived, and he was released by two teams within a month after an unsuccessful move to Mexico.
Though his MLB career was brief, Jaime’s impact on baseball in the Dominican Republic was significant, as described by Damian Rancez of MSN.com as “undeniable.”
