Angels: Is Tyler Skaggs a Waiver Wire Add?
By Brad Kelly
Tyler Skaggs was terrific in his return from injury for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. After his performance, could he now be a waiver wire add?
The Los Angeles Angels are in the midst of a rough season, and their struggles have further been intensified, by an injury riddled starting rotation. Key rotation cogs such as, Garrett Richards and Andrew Heaney are down with significant injuries, and the team has scrambled all season to find capable replacements. But, could the return of Tyler Skaggs, serve as a much needed relief for the team, and even fantasy owners?
Tyler Skaggs was the 40th overall pick for the Angels in 2009, but made his debut with the Diamondbacks in 2012. After being traded by the Angels to Arizona in 2010, and then reacquired by the team in 2013, Skaggs has bounced around early in his career. Some may have forgotten though, that coming into the 2013 season, Skaggs was one of the most highly touted prospects in the game, and was projected to have top of the rotation type of upside.
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Unfortunately, in August of the 2014 season, Skaggs would have to go under the knife, and require Tommy John Surgery. He was forced to miss all of 2015, and has slowly been brought along during his rehab before debuting this season. He made nine minor league starts in 2016, and was simply outstanding the entire time. Skaggs posted a, 1.60 ERA/53K/8 BB, line over 39 innings. The Angels were more than pleased with what they have seen, and decided that it was time for Skaggs to return to the bigs.
Tyler Skaggs made his 2016 major league on July 26th versus the defending champion Royals and turned in a starling performance. He threw seven shutout innings, while only allowing three hits, walking one, and struck out five. The Royals have had their fair share of offensive woes in 2016, but Skaggs’ stuff that night would have shut down any team.
For most TJ surgery recipients, command is usually the last thing that fully comes back into form, but Skaggs showcased pinpoint control during his first outing back. He was able to spot his fastball, which topped off 94 mph, at will, and his curveball was just as sharp. Skaggs sprinkles in a changeup as well, but his bread and butter, is his fastball/curveball combo.
The Royals served as a great first test, and Skaggs is almost exactly two years removed from his surgery, so he looks as though he has his feet back under him. His performance should have definitely caught fantasy owners’ attention, and he is certainly not lacking the pure arm talent. His next start will undoubtedly serve as the ultimate test, as he gets the Red Sox high powered offense in Anaheim this weekend.
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Tyler Skaggs may not be a must add off the waiver wire just yet, but he is certainly intriguing enough to keep close track of. His velocity was right where he had it before his injury, and to see his command be as sharp as it was, all arrows seem to be pointing up. Keep an eye on him over the next few weeks, and pounce on him if he is able to string together a couple more solid starts.