Angels official provided Tyler Skaggs with drugs
Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim delivers a pitch in the first inning during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 18, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (CNN) - A top public relations official with the Los Angeles Angels provided oxycodone to Tyler Skaggs, and abused the drug with him before the pitcher died earlier this year, the employee's attorney told CNN on Saturday. ESPN reported that Eric Kay, the Angels' director of communications, also gave the DEA the names of five other players who he believed were using opiates while with the Angels team. "The Angels maintain a strict, zero tolerance policy regarding the illicit use of drugs for both players and staff," he said. Skaggs family attorney Rusty Hardin said the family appreciates the work that law enforcement is doing.
Los Angeles Angels fire former Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus after one season
Manager Brad Ausmus #12 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim walks from the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on August 3, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by DavidDETROIT - The Los Angeles Angels have fired former Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus after just one season. "I want to thank Brad for his hard work and dedication to this organization over the last two seasons as both a special assistant and field manager," Angels general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement. Ausmus lasted just one season with the Angels, leading them to a 72-90 record and fourth place in the American League West Division. It was a difficult season for the Angels, highlighted by the death of starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs and a season-ending injury to potential MVP Mike Trout.
Detroit Tigers face critical home stand in quest to avoid being worst team in franchise history
Detroit Tigers trade deadline: How 4 new Tigers prospects are doing so farWith just six wins in their last 38 games, the Tigers' recent pace would put them at 40 or 41 wins by the end of the 2019 season. That would be the worst record in franchise history, edging out the 2003 team that finished 43-119. That means the upcoming 11-game home stand will be critical in the race to 43 wins. The team was 18-20 and coming off a road series win over the first-place Twins before a winless 10-game home stand. If the Tigers can rack up four or five wins in 11 games, they'll be on a good pace to finish ahead of the 2003 team.
Orioles CF is first position player to earn save in MLB history
That's understandable, as Stevie Wilkerson is a centerfielder for the Baltimore Orioles. It was the bottom of the 16th inning when Wilkerson took the mound with his team up 10-8. Pitching a perfect inning, Wilkerson became the first position player ever in Major League Baseball to record a save, MLB says. He retired Albert Pujols on a fly ball, ending the game just before 1:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. Around the 13th inning in Anaheim, Wilkerson knew pitching may be a possibility, as he went to get his pitching glove.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs has died
Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim delivers a pitch in the first inning during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 18, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. A Major League Baseball game was postponed Monday after Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died, officials said. In a statement, the Texas Rangers said its game with the Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington has been postponed. "The Texas Rangers organization wants to express its deepest sympathies to the family of Tyler Skaggs and to the entire Angels organization on this shocking loss," the statement said. "The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Texas Rangers and all of their fans are with the Angels organization at this difficult time."