Tyler Skaggs, a 27-year-old pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels, was found dead on Monday just two days after he pitched for the team at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
“The Southlake Police Department responded to a call of an unconscious male in a room in the Hilton Hotel,” authorities confirmed in a statement. “Officers arrived and found the male unresponsive and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Skaggs’ cause of death has yet to be revealed. “At this time, no foul play is suspected. This investigation is ongoing,” police said.
“It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas,” the Angels said. “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.”
Tyler Skaggs.Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
The Angels are now in Texas for a four-game series against the Rangers, but their Monday night game has since been canceled following the news of the tragedy.
On Sunday, Skaggs posted a picture to his Instagram page featuring his Angels teammates, who were all dressed in cowboy attire, outside of an airport before their scheduled game against the Rangers.
“Howdy y’all,” Skaggs wrote in the caption of the picture, with the hashtag #TexasRoadstrip.
Skaggs had pitched for the Angels on Saturday night when the Oakland Athletic’s visited Anaheim.
The Los Angeles Timespraised his performance, despite the team’s 4-0 loss.
“He used his curveball effectively, wielding it in two-strike counts to punch out four batters through three innings,” reporter Maria Torress said of his showing. “But borderline pitch calls and a fifth inning that began with a walk and a balk ruined Skaggs’ chances at a clean line.”
After the game, Angels manager Brad Ausmus continued the praise.
“He was going after them,” Ausmus said of Skaggs, according to theTimes. “The stuff overall was pretty good. But he was up near 100 pitches, and we’re trying to avoid big innings, and keep the game close.”
“Me and Brad have talked about this,” Skaggs said. “I’m sure he gave you his answer. Hopefully, the next time I go through the third time through the order, it’s deeper in the game. It’s his decision. It’s his team. I just come to work every day and hopefully, I can help our team win.”
The Rangers alsoreleased a statement following the news of Skaggs’s passing, and said Monday’s game will instead be played at a future date.
“Tonight’s scheduled game between the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington has been postponed due to the tragic passing of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs,” the team said.
“The Texas Rangers organization wants to express its deepest sympathy to the family of Tyler Skaggs and to the entire Angels organization on this shocking loss. The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Texas Rangers and all their fans are with the Angels organization at this difficult time.
source: people.com
