Tragedy struck the baseball world on Monday afternoon when the Los Angeles Angels announced that Tyler Skaggs had passed away. Skaggs was just 27 years old at the time of his death. He was with the team in Arlington, Texas as the Angels prepared to start a four-game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday night. Tonight’s game with the Rangers has been postponed in memorium of Skaggs.
Angels statement on the passing of Tyler Skaggs. pic.twitter.com/6XA2Vu1uWV
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 1, 2019
Skaggs was in his fifth season with the Angels. He was the team’s leader in innings pitched this year, and he had just pitched at home against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday night. There is no word yet as to the cause of death, with early reports from the Southlake Police Department only mentioning that he was found dead in his hotel room this afternoon after officers responded to a report of an unconscious man. There is no foul play suspected in Skaggs’ death.
Southlake Police Department Press Release 7/1/19 pic.twitter.com/vgZTUBIc40
— Southlake DPS (@SouthlakeDPS) July 1, 2019
Sadly, this isn’t the first time that tragedy has struck the Angels organization. Just 10 years ago, pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver shortly after a start at the beginning of the 2009 season. Adenhart was just 23 years old at the time of death.
Skaggs is the 14th MLB player to pass away while on a Major League roster since 2002.
