Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyler Skaggs

Discover the career path of Tyler Skaggs, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tyler Skaggs was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Angels. A left-handed pitcher, Skaggs' career spanned from 2012 until his death in 2019. He was a promising talent whose career was cut short.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 7, 2009: Signed with the Angels

On August 7, 2009, Tyler Skaggs signed with the Los Angeles Angels for a $1 million bonus, foregoing his commitment to Cal State Fullerton.

August 22, 2009: Professional Debut

On August 22, 2009, Tyler Skaggs made his professional baseball debut, pitching a scoreless inning for the AZL Angels.

2009: MLB Scouting Report

In 2009, a MLB scouting report described Tyler Skaggs as a "young Barry Zito type", praising his fastball and curveball while noting some weaknesses in his pitch delivery.

July 25, 2010: Traded to the Diamondbacks

On July 25, 2010, Tyler Skaggs was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a deal for Dan Haren.

July 10, 2011: All-Star Futures Game Selection

On July 10, 2011, Tyler Skaggs was chosen as the starting pitcher for Team USA at the All-Star Futures Game.

August 21, 2012: Called up to the Major Leagues

On August 21, 2012, Tyler Skaggs was called up to the major leagues by the Diamondbacks.

August 22, 2012: MLB Debut

On August 22, 2012, Tyler Skaggs made his major league debut against the Miami Marlins, pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2012: FanGraphs Evaluation

In 2012, Mike Newman of FanGraphs proclaimed Tyler Skaggs's curveball the best in Minor League Baseball, but noted his changeup needed refinement.

December 10, 2013: Traded Back to the Angels

On December 10, 2013, Tyler Skaggs was traded back to the Los Angeles Angels in a three-team trade.

July 31, 2014: Injury and Tommy John Surgery

On July 31, 2014, Tyler Skaggs left a potential no-hitter game due to left forearm tightness and was later diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery.

2014: Pitch Arsenal

By 2014, Tyler Skaggs's main pitches included a fastball, a curveball, and a changeup, and he occasionally utilized a sinker.

July 26, 2016: First Start After Surgery

On July 26, 2016, Tyler Skaggs made his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, pitching seven scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.

April 28, 2017: Oblique Muscle Strain

On April 28, 2017, Tyler Skaggs left a game against the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning due to muscle pain, which was later diagnosed as a Grade 2 oblique muscle strain, sidelining him for fourteen weeks.

2018: Reintegrating Changeup

During the 2018 season, Tyler Skaggs began reintegrating his changeup into his pitching rotation after relying primarily on his fastball and curve following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

2018: Career Best Season

In 2018, despite recurrent adductor muscle strains, Tyler Skaggs had the best season of his career, setting career highs with eight wins, twenty-four starts, 125+1⁄3 innings pitched, and 129 strikeouts. His ERA in June set an Angels record.

April 12, 2019: Ankle Sprain

On April 12, 2019, Tyler Skaggs sprained his left ankle in a game against the Chicago Cubs due to a divot on the pitcher's mound. He tried to pitch through the injury, but his fastball speed dropped, leading to him being placed on the injured list.

July 22, 2019: MLB Players Trust Donation

On July 22, 2019, the MLB Players Trust donated $45,000 to the Tyler Skaggs Foundation, which was started by Skaggs's wife and mother to support childhood athletic programs.

December 12, 2019: MLB Opioid Testing Agreement

On December 12, 2019, MLB and the players' union agreed to start regularly testing players for opioids and cocaine, and to assign players and team staff to educational programs on prescription painkillers.