Tyler Skaggs tragically passed away at 27 in Texas on Tuesday morning.

While details surrounding his death were immediately unknown, Skaggs went from highly-ranked prospect to a serviceable starting pitcher, often flashing glimpses of greatness since his big-league debut in 2012. 

1. The Angels drafted – then traded – him 

As one of the top prep pitchers in the 2009 draft class, the Angels kept the Santa Monica, Calif., native close to home. Los Angeles selected him with the 40th overall pick that year – 15 slots after the organization picked up Mike Trout.

Skaggs' mother Debbie was a legendary softball coach at Santa Monica high school.

Just 13 months later, the Angels shipped him to the Diamondbacks along with Patrick Corbin, Rafael Rodriguez and Joe Saunders for right-hander Dan Haren. With his new organization, the southpaw earned an invite to the 2011 All-Star Futures Game and participated in the event the following year as well.

2. Breaking through

Skaggs made his big-league debut at age 21 on Aug. 22, 2012, allowing two earned runs on three hits over 6 ⅔ innings against the Marlins in Arizona. He picked up the win and finished the season with a 5.83 ERA in six starts.

In 2013, he posted a 5.12 ERA in seven starts for the big-league club.

3. Back where he started

The Angels brought Skaggs back on Dec. 10, 2013 as part of a three-team deal with Arizona and the White Sox.

Returning to his native California brought better results, including a 1.21 WHIP and 4.30 ERA over 18 starts in 2014, but also disappointment. He suffered a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament after not allowing a hit through 4 ⅔ innings against the Orioles on July 31.

Tommy John surgery prevented him from taking the mound until 2016.

Skaggs pitching against the Mariners in July 2014. (Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

4. Triumphant return

Almost two years to the day of the injury that landed him on the operating table, Skaggs made his return on July 26, 2016, pitching seven scoreless innings with five strikeouts against the Royals in Kansas City.

He finished the 2016 season with a 4.17 ERA in 10 starts.

5. Still battling

An oblique injury cost Skaggs half of the 2017 season and he managed to make just 16 starts. He rebounded with 24 outings in 2018, including a superb first half in which he posted a 2.57 ERA and went 7-5 with a 1.20 WHIP. However, Skaggs dealt with injuries the second half, making just four starts from August on.

Through 15 starts in 2019, he was 7-7 with a 4.29 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings.

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