Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz, was reportedly struck in the leg by the same bullet. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Outside a Santo Domingo medical clinic, Ortiz's father, Leo Ortiz, told local reporters his son underwent surgery and is “fine.”

"He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting," Leo Ortiz said. "Big Papi will be around for a long time."

After the attack, the alleged shooter was captured and beaten by the crowd of bystanders before police arrived, Bautista said in the statement.

Police will question the suspect after he receives treatment for his injuries. Felix Durán Mejia, a spokesman for the Dominican National Police, also told reporters multiple people have been detained in connection with the shooting; however, he did not specify how many.

Investigators are now working to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target of the shooting.  

Frank Felix Duran, of the Dominican National Police told CBS News they believe either Ortiz or singer Secreto, who was with Ortiz at the bar, may have been the target of a planned hit job.

"We're not ruling out any scenario. What we can rule out is that this wasn't a robbery," Duran told CBS News.

The Dial Bar and Lounge is located in a busy nightlife district frequented by Ortiz, who lives in the Dominican Republic for part of the year.

Ortiz, who helped the Red Sox win the World Series three times, hit 541 home runs during his 20-year career in the MLB. He was a 10-time All-Star and World Series MVP in 2013. He retired after the 2016 season.

In a press release, Boston Red Sox said they "have offered David's family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep (him) in our hearts."

Other baseball legends including Alex Rodriguez tweeted out messages of support for Ortiz and his family.