Tyler Skaggs to start nearly two years to the day since last pitching for the Angels
A depleted Angels pitching staff will be getting a big lift when they face the Royals in Kansas City on Tuesday. Angels left-hander Tyler Skaggs is slated to take the hill for the first time since 2014, the team announced on Sunday.
Once noted as a possible strength heading into 2016 due to the sheer number of arms available, the Angels starting rotation has since become an exercise in attrition. With two starters, Andrew Heaney and CJ Wilson, confirmed out for the season and two more, Garrett Richards and Nick Tropeano, likely to join them on the longterm disabled list, the Angels have struggled to fill in a consistent five-man rotation.
With a 5-5 record and 86 strikeouts over 18 starts for the Angels in his career, Skaggs had been recovering from Tommy John surgery and has not featured in the big leagues since July 31, 2014. After a few minor setbacks to start the year, the 25-year-old lefty has impressed in AAA striking out 53 batters and posting a 1.60 ERA in nine starts.
