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The scars are still fresh, but Rangers pitcher Alex Claudio, and his native Puerto Rico, are healing through baseball

JUNCOS, Puerto Rico - Shortly after becoming the first person from this hillside industrial town 40 minutes from San Juan to reach the major leagues, Rangers reliever Alex Claudio searched online for a tattoo design to display his Puerto Rican pride.

He happened upon a version of the Puerto Rican flag that vaguely resembles the island's shape. The edges are serrated and a jagged tear cuts through the heart of the flag.

He could not have known how prescient the design would be.

Nearly six months ago Hurricane Maria came ashore on the island's eastern edge.