MLB pitcher Tyler Skaggs tragically died in 2019, and since that day, there have been more questions than answers.
Eric Kay, a former employee of the Los Angeles Angels (Skaggs’ team) is currently on trial for his potential connection to Skaggs’ death.
On Tuesday, four big-league players testified: Matt Harvey, C.J. Cron, Mike Morin, and Cam Bedrosian.
Kay is said to have given Skaggs the drugs that led to the latter’s death.
The players said they received and used opioids from Kay during their time with the Angels, in the clubhouse.
Four players have now appeared this morning and said they received and used opioids from Eric Kay in the Angels' clubhouse.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) February 15, 2022
According to ESPN’s TJ Quinn, Harvey said he discussed substance use with Skaggs, through partying or pain management.
Harvey says he discussed oxy with Skaggs in spring training '19. "A couple weeks within the camp we had talked about different experiences, whether it was partying or being injured or surgeries or what not."
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) February 15, 2022
Another Problem For MLB
Those are disturbing allegations that MLB needs to take very seriously.
Harvey said that, after talking to Skaggs, he tried oxycodone, although he makes it clear that he didn’t enjoy it.
Harvey also detailed that MLB players using painkillers was a widespread practice in 2019.
Sam Blum of The Athletic reported that Harvey had acquired an oxycodone pill prior to a road trip, but he wasn’t on it.
After learning about Skaggs’ death, he threw the pill away in fear something similar would happen to him.
Harvey said he spoke with Eric Kay on June 30, 2019, about getting a blue oxycodone pill. Harvey said he asked Kay to put in his locker.
He said he chose not to take the pill.
He woke up the next day to find out Skaggs was dead.
He then threw the blue pill away.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) February 15, 2022
Harvey also said he would provide Skaggs with Percocet pills.
It’s a sad, disturbing story that resulted in the death of a son, a teammate, and a friend to many.
Baseball will need to find a way to make sure these kind of pills and substances are out of the game, especially out of clubhouses.
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