At least six current and former members of the Los Angeles Angels have been interviewed by federal agents investigating the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A representative for Trevor Cahill confirmed to the Times that the pitcher answered questions from agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in September. The newspaper also reported that pitchers Andrew Heaney, Noe Ramirez and Matt Harvey also were questioned.
The Angels designated Harvey for assignment in July. Other players questioned remain unidentified.
Citing sources, the Times said the players who talked with DEA investigators are witnesses to Skaggs’ drug use and the use of illegal drugs among the team, rather than suspects.
Skaggs, 27, was found dead in a hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1 when the Angels were in town to meet the Texas Rangers.
His autopsy report, released Aug. 30, said Skaggs had oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol in his system and listed the cause of death as choking on his own vomit.
Soon after Skaggs died, his family contended an Angels’ employee was connected to his death. ESPN reported that Eric Kay, the team communications director, told investigators that he would buy drugs for both himself and the pitcher and that Skaggs would reimburse him, and Venmo transactions over two years showed a series of payments.
Kay also told federal investigators that five other players used opiates while with the team and that team officials were told about the drug use before Skaggs’ death, according to an investigation by ESPN’s “Outside the Lines.”
Team officials have denied any knowledge.
