Via Los Angeles Sports Nation
Left Handed Pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels Tyler Skaggs has tragically passed away at the age of 27 on July 1st, 2019.
The news broke when the Angels Twitter account posted a statement on the passing of Tyler Skaggs.
The Angels’ statement said, “It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas. Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time.”
In addition to that statement, the Angels PR department also released the same statement but added, “There are no other details at this time, please keep Tyler’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Tyler Skaggs was drafted as the 40th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2009 draft on June 9, 2009. Skaggs would then be traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as a Player To Be Named Later on August 7th, 2010, along with LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, and LHP Joe Saunders in exchange for RHP Dan Haren. The Angels would later re-acquire Skaggs on December 10th, 2013, in a 3-team trade that saw the Angels acquire Skaggs and LHP Hector Santiago. The two other teams in the deal were the Arizona Diamondbacks who acquired 1B/OF Mark Trumbo, RHP A.J. Schugel, and OF Brandon Jacobs and the Chicago White Sox who acquired OF Adam Eaton.
Skaggs, pitched in parts of 7 big league seasons with 2 being with Arizona Diamondbacks and the other 5 with the Los Angeles Angels. Tyler pitched a total of 520.2 innings across those 7 big league seasons.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler’s family and friends during this difficult time. He will most certainly be missed by the Angels organization and Major League Baseball.
Reactions
Griffin Canning via Twitter:
“Skaggsy was like an older brother to me and someone I really looked up to. He took me under his wing and showed me what it takes day in and day out to be a big leaguer whether he knew it or not. Gonna miss you Skaggsy.”
Justin Bour via Instagram:
“Can’t believe this. Rest In Peace my brother. It was an honor to be your teammate and to call you my friend. You brought joy to anyone who had the pleasure to meet you. You will be truly missed.”
Kole Calhoun via Instagram:
“Can’t even explain how tough this day has been and how heavy our hearts are. As ball players, we lost a teammate and a leader, but as people we lost a really amazing person. You will truly be missed my friend. Please keep his family in your prayers. RIP Swaggy”
Mark Gubicza via Twitter:
“Sending many prayers to Carli and to Tyler’s parents. He was an amazing pitcher but an even better person. I will cherish our friendship the rest of my life. Love you my friend. RIP #45”
Mike Trout via Twitter:
“Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carli and their families. Remembering him as a great teammate, friend, and person who will forever remain in our hearts… We love you, 45.”
Featured Image: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
