Relief pitcher Luis Ayala unharmed after kidnap attempt in Mexico

Ayala unharmed after kidnap attempt

CULIACAN, Mexico — Relief pitcher Luis Ayala was unharmed during an apparent attempted kidnapping by gunmen at his home in the northern Mexico state of Sinaloa.

Martin Robles, a spokesman for the state prosecutors’ office, said investigators believed Ayala was the intended victim, whom police prevented from being abducted.

Robles said gunmen in three vehicles forced their way into Ayala’s home near the city of Los Mochis on Monday by shooting open the door.

Police arrived at the scene after receiving a call to an emergency number, and soldiers dispatched to the scene apparently scared off the assailants.

Neither Ayala nor his family were hurt. He was found handcuffed at the home.

Ayala has played six seasons in the majors and is 29-39 with a 3.67 ERA.

He pitched last year for Minnesota and Florida, and was currently playing for the Culiacan Tomateros in the Mexican league.

He has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.