Lara played for the Dominican Indians (1999–2001), Burlington Indians (2002), Mahoning Valley Scrappers (2003), Lake County Captains (2003), Kinston Indians (2004–2005), Akron Aeros (2005–2007), and Buffalo Bisons (2006-2007). He worked as a starting pitcher from 2000 through the first half of 2003 and has worked primarily out of the bullpen since then compiling a minor league record of 24–28, 16 saves, a 3.96 ERA and 443 strike outs in ​509 2⁄3 innings. He became a free agent at the end of the 2008 season.\n', '

Lara was involved in a serious automobile accident on the night of November 24, 2007, in his homeland of the Dominican Republic. His car was struck at an intersection by a motorcycle. Both occupants of the motorcycle were killed instantly, while Lara was taken to a Dominican Republic hospital with life-threatening injuries, including broken ribs, a broken D2 vertebra and possible brain damage. His injuries were considered to be possibly career-ending.\n', '

On March 12, 2008, Lara was released from the Indians\' 40-man roster; he was subsequently re-signed to a minor league contract despite the fact that he was to miss the entire 2008 season. The Indians organization will handle all of Lara\'s medical expenses.\n', '

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