Washington Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin will wear jersey No. 45 rather than his usual No. 46 Tuesday to honor Tyler Skaggs, Corbin’s former teammate who died Monday at age 27.
Manager Dave Martinez announced Corbin’s intention to wear Skaggs’ number before the game. Corbin was already scheduled to start the Nationals’ home game against the Miami Marlins.
Corbin and Skaggs both pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012 and 2013. The two pitchers came up through the system together, and Martinez said Skaggs was Corbin’s best friend.
“He was emotional earlier, but he said he wants to pitch,” Martinez said.