Tigers minor leaguer Numata dies at 27

Detroit Tigers minor-league catcher Chace Numata died Monday from head injuries suffered Friday in a skateboarding accident. He was 27. Numata was playing for Double-A Erie SeaWolves.

"Though this was his first year with our organization, Chace was beloved by many from our major league club through all levels of our player development system," the Tigers said in a statement. "He had an engaging personality that quickly established him as a leader on and off the field, and his presence will be forever remembered in our organization and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and coaches." Numata, a 14th-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010, was in that franchise's system until 2017. He was a minor leaguer with the New York Yankees last season before signing with Detroit in November.

He was hitting .239 in 71 games at Erie. He hit .300 in six games at Triple-A Toledo.

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