Log Angeles Angles starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs will require season-ending Tommy John Surgery, after being diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow, which could also cost Skaggs most of the 2015 season. Skaggs had already been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained forearm on August 1.
#Angels Tyler Skaggs had 3 MRIs. First two weren't conclusive. 3rd showed partial tear. On Friday he opted for TH surgery.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 10, 2014
Skaggs, 22, went 5-5 in 18 starts with a 4.30 ERA this season for Los Angeles. Two MRI tests conducted last week confirmed Skaggs has a “high-grade” tear, but not a complete tear according to the Los Angeles Times. Skaggs was a solid fourth member of the starting rotation with a 1.21 WHIP and 86 strikeouts.
“The Angels gave me the choice to have surgery or to rehabilitate it, but the doctors didn’t give it much of a chance to hold up,” said Skaggs. “I want to get it fixed as soon as possible so I can come back in 2016 fresh and ready to go.
The Angels trail the Oakland Athletics for the American League West lead, and currently hold one of the two Wild Card sports.