LA Angels Tyler Skaggs may get one final start this weekend

September 9, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the sixth inning against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 9, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the sixth inning against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

LA Angels starter lefty Tyler Skaggs has not pitched since September 9th due to a strained flexor muscle in his left arm.  Many thought his season would be done, but after a promising Tuesday bullpen session that could change.

LA Angels Tyler Skaggs has been through enough doctor’s offices that he does not want to be in them any more than he has to.  Skaggs came back earlier this season from a two-year absence from the big leagues due to having a torn UCL in his left arm.

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After feeling tightness in his forearm and coming out of his September 9th start Skaggs has been determined to make it back this season.  Skaggs had  a bullpen session before Tuesday’s game against the A’s and Skaggs reported no issues after the session.

With this news it could put Skaggs on track to start either Friday or Saturday against Houston.  In addition the Angels plan to have Skaggs to pitch at least three games in the Winter Arizona Instructional League.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said during a pre-game group interview that If Skaggs feels good in the next few days he will most likely make a start on either Friday or Saturday.  Skaggs also plans to make two to three starts in the Arizona Instructional League.

“If he feels good, we’ll evaluate him to see where he folds in on the weekend. Scioscia said. “He could possibly pitch on Saturday.”

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So far this season Skaggs has been up and pitched pretty well since coming back in late July.  He is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA. He has pitched five quality starts in nine starts.  He has 50 strikeouts in 48 innings of work.

Skaggs will be a key piece in the Angels rotation in 2017 especially with all the injuries.  The rotation is shaping up to be pretty decent with Garrett Richards looking like he may make a full recovery and be the staff ace followed by Matt Shoemaker, Ricky Nolasco, Skaggs, and possibly Alex Meyer who has shown promise in his September audition.

Skaggs will be especially important as he most likely will be the only lefty in the starting rotation unless Angels prospect Nate Smith wins a spot in the rotation which is a slight possibility.

Time will tell on all of these issues, but for now the Angels are happy that Skaggs is back to health and are hoping for a development into a strong left-handed weapon for next year and beyond.

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