Disturbing news about Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Felipe Vazquez means the Pirates are looking for a new closer and could well mean the end of Vazquez’s career. According to multiple reports, he was arrested Tuesday on charges of child solicitation and pornography stemming from a case in Florida.
Authorities in Pittsburgh are holding Vazquez in jail while he faces an arraignment and extradition to Florida to stand trial.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez has been arrested and charged with one count of computer pornography, solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors, according to police in Lee County, Florida.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 17, 2019
A disturbing story
The details of the charges against Vazquez are, in a word, disgusting.
He allegedly formed a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl (she’s now 15) and maintained it through text messages. Some of the messages allegedly were lewd and contained videos of sex acts. Others suggested they continue their relationship after the season.
Florida authorities began their investigation last month and issued a warrant for his arrest this week. Law enforcement in Pennsylvania arrested Vazquez on Tuesday morning at his residence in the Pittsburgh area.
Major League Baseball placed Vazquez on administrative leave and the restricted list until the issue is resolved.
Pirates President Frank Coonelly’s statement regarding Felipe Vazquez. pic.twitter.com/XWazDLP3YC
— Pirates (@Pirates) September 17, 2019
Baseball effect
Obviously, the effect on baseball is an afterthought in this case. But the last-place Pirates will need a new closer.
Vazquez, who changed his name from Felipe Rivero two years ago, had been one of the top closers in baseball this year, recording 28 saves, a 1.65 ERA and 0.93 WHIP.
Vazquez and set-up man Kyle Crick got into a fistfight earlier this month. Crick injured his hand and was lost for the season.
The most likely candidates to replace Vazquez are Francisco Liriano, Keone Kela and Richard Rodriguez.
Pirates President Frank Coonelly’s statement regarding Felipe Vazquez. pic.twitter.com/XWazDLP3YC
— Pirates (@Pirates) September 17, 2019
