Arrest Warrant Issued In Venezuela For Angels Shortstop: Report

CHICAGO, IL —An arrest warrant has been issued in Venezuela for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Luis Regnifo, who is accused of falsifying divorce documents and selling property without the consent of his ex-wife, according to multiple news sources in Venezuela and the United States.

Regnifo, 24, played in Tuesday's 9-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox, going 1-for-3, despite news that he is wanted by Venezuelan authorities. The Angels have not commented on the situation.

According to the Orange County Register, Regnifo is accused of forging divorce papers in July 2018 that were then legalized in 2020.

Rengifo's father then allegedly used the falsified documents to sell real estate and cars to Luis Regifo's sister without the consent of Rengifo's ex-wife, whom the Los Angeles Daily News named as Alba Marina Gonzalez Pinto. Pinto filed a complaint on Sept 4, after learning about these transactions, the Orange County Register reported.

The Los Angeles Daily News reported that Rengifo's father, sister and a lawyer were arrested Saturday in Venezuela. A warrant also was issued for Rengifo, but the Orange County Register said it is unclear if Venezuelan authorities would request extradition.

Rengifo is in his third year with the Angels, who acquired him in a 2018 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Entering Wednesday's action, Rengifo had played 36 games this season and was hitting .180 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He did hit .329 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs this season in Triple-A Salt Lake.

According to SportsNaut.com, Rengifo, a native of Naguanagua, Venezuela, is expected to have an expanded role with the Angels during the final weeks of the season after the team released former starting shortstop Jose Iglesias on Sept. 3.