Lara, who pitched in one game for Cleveland last season, was returning from a winter league game Saturday night in San Pedro de Macoris when the sports utility vehicle he was driving was hit by a speeding motorcycle, killing both its rider and passenger, Indians spokesman Bart Swain said.

Lara was stopped at an intersection when he was struck on the driver's side. He was pinned inside the vehicle. Lara's girlfriend was with him at the time.

Swain couldn't provide any specific details on either of their conditions.

Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was the first to report the accident to the Indians, Swain said.

"We are monitoring his status very closely," Swain said, "and he is definitely in our prayers right now."

Lara may need to be transported to the U.S. for surgery, Swain said.

The Indians sent Lino Diaz, director of Latin American Operations, to the Dominican Republic to check on Lara's condition. He was expected to arrive Monday night.

The 26-year-old Lara, originally signed by the Indians in 1999, spent most of last season with Triple-A Buffalo. He was recalled from the minors on Sept. 4 and made his only appearance for the Indians two days later, working 1 1-3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels.

The left-hander pitched in nine games for the Indians in 2006. That year, Lara also pitched for Buffalo and Double-A Akron, compiling a 5-3 record before making his major league debut Sept. 8 against the Chicago White Sox.