Tyler Skaggs Has Best Chance at Arizona Diamondbacks Fifth Starter

At the ripe old age of 21, Tyler Skaggs has a chance of winning his first full-time starting job at the Major League Baseball level. The fifth spot in the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation is up for grabs, like many others. Kirk Gibson says Skaggs has a chance at the spot along with fellow Diamondback youngster Patrick Corbin and Randall Delgado, recently brought over in the trade that sent Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves.

Delgado might seem to have the best chance since some thought he might already have the Braves’ fifth spot. He has good stuff and better numbers in his time at the MLB level than Skaggs and Corbin. Having more time at the big level doesn’t mean everything, though. Skaggs has only been up for a cup of coffee and his numbers certainly are not to be held against him. In that light, it makes more sense to look at what all three did in their respective minor league careers.

Looking there, you see two of the three with better strikeouts per inning ratios: Delgado and Skaggs. Between the two of them, the younger Skaggs has the better ERA which is just under 3.00. I’d say that for certain it will come down to Skaggs and Delgado. Considering Delgado can do a good job out of the pen in long relief, Skaggs probably will win the straight out starter role away from him. Either way, it will be a good competition between the three and anything can happen.

David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google₊.