David Ortiz Expected to Make ‘Full Recovery’ as New Shooting Details Surface

On Sunday, news broke of former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz getting shot at a club in the Dominican Republic. After undergoing surgery in his hometown of Santo Domingo, he arrived in Boston on Monday and was taken to Massachusetts General hospital in an ambulance, which was led by police escort.

Marly Rivera of ESPN reports Ortiz, nicknamed “Big Papi,” had successful surgery and is now in stable condition. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The Boston Red Sox released a statement on behalf of the 43-year-old’s wife Tiffany.

“David arrived at Massachusetts General Hospital last night and underwent a successful second surgery. He is stable, awake, and resting comfortably this morning in the ICU where he is expected to remain for the next several days,” the statement reads.

“On behalf of me and my family, I want to thank John and Linda Henry, Tom Werner, Sam Kennedy and the Boston Red Sox for all that they are doing for David and our family, as well as Dr. Larry Ronan and the amazing staff at Massachusetts General Hospital. Lastly, I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and love that we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for privacy as David works towards recovery.”

CNN reports Ortiz and television host Jhoel Lopez (who was with the former MLB star) were shot at Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo. The bullet pierced Ortiz’s back and came out of his stomach. 

As of this writing, one suspect remains in custody. The Dominican Republic National Police said Eddy Vladimir Féliz García and another individual approached the baseball player moments before at least one of the men let off shots. After failing to escape on a motorcycle, a crowd of people apprehended and beat Féliz García before handing him over to the police. The second suspect managed to escape and is currently at large.

Following the shooting, Ortiz was taken to a nearby hospital, where a doctor revealed he said, “Please do not let me die; I am a good man,” while in the emergency room. The Red Sox sent a medical air ambulance to transport him to Boston, which arrived Monday night. He requested to see his family as soon as he opened his eyes.

Authorities have yet to speak with the former World Series MVP, though CNN reports that he is certain this attack wasn’t a robbery plot. The club, which is undergoing a “provisional closure,” has three days to give a formal account of the incident, said the Ministry of Interior and Police.