Mike Trout and Tommy La Stella to Honor Tyler Skaggs at All-Star Game
By Michael Luciano
The Los Angeles Angels managed to send two representatives to the 2019 MLB All-Star game in Cleveland, as outfielder and MVP candidate Mike Trout as well as breakout infielder Tommy La Stella made the AL squad. Rather than sporting their usual No. 27 and No. 9, respectively, Trout and La Stella will both wear No. 45 to pay homage to teammate and starter Tyler Skaggs, who passed away last week at the age of 27.
Tommy La Stella and Mike Trout will remember teammate Tyler Skaggs during the All-Star Game by wearing his No. 45. pic.twitter.com/Mun2JGZZ5n
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) July 9, 2019
Before his untimely passing, Skaggs was 7-7 with a 4.29 ERA and had the best ERA+ of his career at 105. After his passing, everyone around baseball has delivered a heartwarming testimony that depicts Skaggs as a charismatic guy, terrific teammate, and loving husband and father.
The honoring of Skaggs will continue throughout the 2019 season, as his death left a hole in the Angels that baseball alone may not be enough to fully patch up.
Class and special tribute.
— Jan Payne (@CyberWolves) July 9, 2019
La Stella suffered a gruesome leg injury and won't be playing in the game tonight, but expect Trout to do all he can to honor his late teammate. With his number on his back, he'll certainly be playing with some added motivation.