Tampa Bay Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez dies at 28

"He was an incredible teammate and friend," Rays manager Kevin Cash said in a statement. "He brought so much passion and energy each day to our clubhouse and bullpen, and his love for the Rays and baseball was evident to all who interacted with him. He had the biggest heart and most infectious smile. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Jean will be deeply missed."

"We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Jean's family," president Erik Neander said. "He was a caring teammate and friend. He exuded so much joy in all he did, and his kind heart was truly a gift to all. As we process this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the times we shared with Jean."

The Rays selected Ramirez, a native of Puerto Rico and an Illinois State alum, with the 28th pick in the 2016 MLB draft. He was released after a couple of seasons in Tampa Bay's minor-league system before being brought back as the big club's bullpen catcher in 2019.

No cause of death or other details have been made public at this time.