Brewers minor-leaguer Javier Betancourt shot in elbow during argument in Venezuela

According to reports out of Venezuela, Milwaukee Brewers minor-league infielder Javier Betancourt was shot in the left elbow during an argument with a stranger Friday in Venezuela.

The original report came from Venezuelan sports journalist Carlos Duarte via twitter and was later confirmed by Venezuelan journalist Andriw Sanchez Ruiz:

Brewers general manager David Stearns confirmed the shooting Sunday afternoon and said Betancourt, 22, is expected to be OK.

"We are aware of the incident and MLB security is investigating," Stearns said. "Javier's injuries are not life-threatening and he is resting comfortably."

The report from Ruiz said the Caracas Lions winter ball team confirmed the shooting and indicated Betancourt would be coming to Milwaukee for surgery but Stearns said nothing had been scheduled.

"At this point, we are evaluating further treatment options," Stearns said.

Betancourt was acquired, along with catcher Manny Piña, from Detroit after the 2015 season in a trade with Detroit for closer Francisco Rodriguez. He has played the last two seasons at Class AA Biloxi.

In 107 games for the Shuckers in 2017, including 62 starts at second base and 42 at third base, Betancourt batted .243 with a .286 on-base percentage, 18 doubles, three triples, six home runs and 22 runs batted in. He is not considered one of the Brewers top prospects. 

Betancourt, who originally signed with Detroit in 2011, had been playing winter ball for the Caracas Lions before he was shot. He had played in 28 games, batting .310 with a .349 OBP and six RBI. 

Duarte tweeted that Betancourt was shot in an argument with a unknown person but indicated it was not believed to be a robbery: 

No exact details of the incident have surfaced. But Caracas manager Mike Rojas was quoted by Venezuelasports.com about the situation:

"We always have security with the players. I really do not know what time the event happened, but they have custodians to protect them. This is a difficult time because it is a club mate and all our thoughts are with him and his family."