Los Angeles Angels: A Bleak Preview for the Starting Rotation
By Evan Lovett
Tyler Skaggs
On the positive side, Tyler Skaggs already had Tommy John surgery. He returned to make 10 starts in 2016 with a 4.17 ERA. As a young prospect with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Skaggs had swing-and-miss stuff, with a wide repertoire that included a devastating curveball as the sidekick to his deceptive fastball.
When the Angels acquired him, they stuck him in the rotation with mixed results – Skaggs garnered five wins in 18 starts in 2014. He was still young – 23 years old – and his velocity was ticking upward, averaging 92.1 mph on his fastball. Then came the injury, the rehab and well, here we are.
If last year is any indication, Skaggs will be an average major league pitcher – and this is assuming he stays healthy. His walk rate is too high and he does not have the same bite on his curveball that he did pre-surgery.
Skaggs went four strong innings in his most recent spring start – and his fastball clocked in at 94 mph – so perhaps the potential is there. That said, he would be much more relevant as a fourth starter than a number two.