LA Angels take first step in healing process, getting back on the field after Tyler Skaggs death.

A day after teammate Tyler Skaggs unexpectedly passed away, the LA Angels took the field for the first time Tuesday evening in Arlington against the Texas Rangers.

It was an emotion-filled day for the LA Angels players as they tried their best to cope with the emotions of losing their teammate Tyler Skaggs.  Before the game the Angels held a press conference with Angels manager Brad Ausmus, general manager Billy Eppler, team president John Carpino, and owner Arte Moreno all addressing the media.

Each of the four read statements and answering questions from the 100 or so media members in attendance Eppler and Ausmus what was behind the decision to play the game by the Angels.  They said it was what was needed to help the healing process and that it is what Tyler Skaggs would have wanted them to do. Ausmus broke down a couple of times during the press conference which the whole team attended and sat in silence many with tears in their eyes.

During the television pre-game show both Victor Rojas and Mark Gubicza broke down at times speaking about Skaggs and the affect the death had on the team.  This was followed by a pre-game moment of silence to honor Tyler Skaggs.  Pitchers Andrew Heaney and Cam Bedrosian held Skaggs’ #45 jersey throughout the tribute and also the National Anthem.  In addition the players all wore a #45 patch over their hearts on their Angel jerseys.  In a classy move the Texas Rangers’ ground crew painted a red #45 on the back of the mound in memory of Skaggs.

When the game started it was off to a good start as the Angels scored in the first inning to go up 1-0.  The Rangers came back to take a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning, but the Angels showed their first bit of resilience rallying to tie the score in the 5th inning on a two-run single by Jonathan Lucroy.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

The Angels continued in the sixth as Justin Upton drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI-single for a 4-3 lead.  The bases ended up becoming loaded with one out.  Tommy La Stella, who the Angels spearheaded by Tyler Skaggs efforts had become an All-Star, came up and worked the count to 3-2 before fouling a ball off his right shin which made him fall to the ground in pain.  La Stella ended up fracturing his right tibia on the play which will keep him out 8 to 10 weeks and keep him out of the All-Star game.

Once again the Angels showed resilience as Justin Bour finished La Stella’s at-bat and got a two-run single to extend the Angels lead to 6-3.

The Angels extended their lead to 7-3 on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Lucroy.  The Rangers got a run back to make it 7-4, but Kole Calhoun put the game out of reach with a two-run bomb to make it 9-4.  The Angels had honored Tyler Skaggs the best way they knew how to, by winning in his memory.

After the game more purging of emotion was on tap as the Brad Ausmus and some of the players took part in a press conference.  Mike Trout, Kole Calhoun, Andrew Heaney,  Justin Upton, and Justin Bour all spoke about Skaggs wiping away tears as they spoke and leaning on one another as good teammates do.

It was a very tough and sad day, but the Angels made the best of it as they could which was just getting through each tough moment as one cohesive unit.  Things will get easier with time for the Angels, but right now with everything fresh it will be a test of their character which so far they have assed the test with flying colors.

Rest In Peace Tyler Skaggs.  You will be in our hearts forever. RIP #45