Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs has died Monday, the MLB team confirmed. He was 27.
A cause of death was not given.
“It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas,” a statement posted Monday to the Angels’ Twitter account said.
“Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels Family,” it continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time.”
The Angels traveled to Texas to play the Rangers, who released a statement on Skaggs’ passing and saying it postponed the scheduled Monday-night game.
“The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Texas Rangers and all of their families are with the Angels organization at this difficult time,” it said.
Skaggs, an LA native, was drafted by the Angels in 2010 and was even a roommate with his Angels teammate Mike Trout while they were in the minor leagues. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010 and ultimately made his major league debut with the team before being traded back to the Angels in 2013.
Skaggs was a starting pitcher for the team and last pitched in Angels Stadium in Anaheim on Saturday. He had a 7-7 record this year in 15 starts, recording a 4.29 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 79?…” innings.
“Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel right now,” Skaggs’ teammate Trout said on Twitter. “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.”
Another Angels pitcher, Nick Adenhart, also died in a car crash just over 10 years ago, hours after making his season debut for the team back in April 2009. And earlier this year, a former Angels player Luis Valbuena was killed in a car crash in Venezuela along with former MLB player Jose Castillo.