Skaggs discovered dead at 27
ARLINGTON, Texas — Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died Monday at the age of 27, stunning Major League Baseball and leading to the postponement of the team’s game against the Rangers.
Skaggs was with the team in Texas when he was found unresponsive in his hotel room. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they are investigating, but no foul play is suspected at this time.
Skaggs was “an important part of the Angels Family,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time.”
Skaggs had been a regular in the Angels’ starting rotation since late 2016, when he returned from Tommy John surgery. He struggled with injuries over the last three seasons but persevered to become a valuable starter.
The left-hander had just pitched Saturday, allowing two runs in 41⁄ innings in a 4-0 loss to the Athletics.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he was “deeply saddened” by Skaggs’ death.
“We will support the Angels’ organization through this most difficult period, and we will make a variety of resources available to Tyler’s teammates and other members of the baseball family,” Manfred said in a statement.
Skaggs was part of the same Angels draft class as Mike Trout, and they were roommates in the low minor leagues. Skaggs started a career-high 24 games last season, finishing 8-10 with a 4.02 ERA. He missed time in April this season with a sprained ankle, but he came back strong and was 7-7 with a 4.29 ERA.