Baseball felt unimportant Monday when, just as they arrived at the Ballpark in Arlington for a game against the Texas Rangers, the Angels learned starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs had died. Skaggs, just 27, was beloved by teammates and opponents alike. The Angels and Rangers quickly postponed their Monday night game. While they mourned, the games went on elsewhere, with Pirates slugger Josh Bell stealing the spotlight with three home runs in an 18-5 thrashing of the Cubs. The Rays’ Brendan McKay made his hitting debut, going 0-for-4 against the Orioles.
Police found Skaggs unresponsive in his hotel room at 2:17 p.m., less than an hour before his team headed for the stadium.
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 1, 2019
Many teams and players around the league offered thoughts and condolences on a tough day for baseball.
Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Tyler Skaggs & the entire @Angels organization. pic.twitter.com/Xi1qNEmbRa
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 1, 2019
It’s insignificant compared to the Skaggs news, but Josh Bell continues to rake in Pittsburgh. The Cubs were the latest to feel his power: Three home runs, seven RBIs.
Josh Bell has done it again —THREE HR and now 7 RBI. It’s 18-5 #Pirates. pic.twitter.com/04MSN9AhjT
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) July 2, 2019
Speaking of which, Major League Baseball set a record for most homers in a month in June … breaking the record it set in May. The Brewers’ Christian Yelich hit No. 30 on Monday night, and the Yankees have hit at least one in 30 straight games. The ball is flying.
Major League Baseball sets new home run record for second consecutive month as homer-happy 2019 season continues https://t.co/a4nhzQHqo7
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) July 1, 2019
The Rays’ Brendan McKay, two days after a successful MLB pitching debut, went 0-for-4 as a hitter..
“Something that he has done, pitched, had a day off then DH three consecutive days” #Raysup Mgr Kevin Cash on his decision to get @Brendan_mckay38 his 1st #MLB ABs after pitching on Saturday pic.twitter.com/L9VFAug9w4
— len martez (@LMart810) July 2, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs passes away | MLB.com
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