The Los Angeles Angels are still reeling over the sudden death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who passed away at the age of 27 on Monday.
Speaking to media Tuesday, Angels manager Brad Ausmus broke down in tears discussing how the team honored Skaggs, noting they discussed some of the goofy things he did and listened to his music.
Ausmus also said the team decided to play against the Texas Rangers, noting he didn’t think players would be well served by sitting in a hotel another day, per KTLA5.
Everyone who plays and coaches in Tuesday’s game will do so with a heavy heart.
“I hate to even put myself into that, because it breaks my heart just to think about something like that,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said about three hours before Tuesday night’s scheduled first pitch. “The shock of it all, it’s heartbreak.”
Many around MLB are mourning Skaggs’ passing. One of his former teammates, Patrick Corbin, will be honoring his friend by wearing his uniform number, 45.