Braves Offer a Reward in Shooting

The Atlanta Braves’ spring training exhibition game with the Montreal Expos was canceled Saturday because of the death of replacement pitcher David Shotkoski in an apparent robbery.

Shotkoski, 30, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., was found dead on the sidewalk in front of an office high-rise near the team hotel about 6:45 p.m. Friday.

John Schuerholz, Brave general manager, said Saturday the team was offering a $5,000 reward in the case.

“And out of respect to David Shotkoski and his family, we have canceled all of our activities today, including the game and all workouts,” Schuerholz said.

The Braves’ game today with the New York Yankees is expected to be played.

Sgt. John English of the West Palm Beach Police Department said robbery was the apparent motive, even though all of Shotkoski’s valuables were recovered.

Police have no suspects, but witnesses said they saw a man ride north out of the area on a yellow mountain bike.

The Palm Beach Post quoted witnesses as saying Shotkoski was shot in the head.

It was the 12th murder in West Palm Beach this year.

Shotkoski, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-hander, was signed by the Braves in January as a free agent.

He played in the Oakland organization in 1987-89 and in the Angels’ system in 1991 after being out of baseball in 1990.