Phillies players testify to receiving opioids from Angels staffer Eric Kay

Current and former Philadelphia Phillies players testified to receiving opioids from disgraced Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay

Ahead of Thursday’s closing arguments in the United States vs. Eric Kay, five MLB players testified that Kay provided them with opioids during their tenures with the Los Angeles Angels. The disgraced former Angels communications director is being charged with several felony counts in the tragic death of Tyler Skaggs, the pitcher who passed away in 2019 from an overdose while in Texas with his team for a series against the Rangers.

In addition to former New York Mets star Matt Harvey and current Colorado Rockies infielder C.J. Cron, three current and former Philadelphia Phillies players testified to receiving opioids from Kay: Cam Bedrosian, Mike Morin, and Blake Parker. All were Angels teammates of Skaggs.

Morin testified to buying from Kay half a dozen times between 2016-17, at his locker in the Angels clubhouse. Bedrosian and Parker also testified to getting pills from Kay.

Of the three, only Bedrosian remains with the Phillies, who re-signed him to a minor-league deal at the end of 2021. He is the son of former Phillies reliever Steve Bedrosian, who won a Cy Young Award with the club in 1987.

Skaggs’ death is a tragedy and shines a harsh spotlight on the dark underbelly of playing professional sports. Many players feel forced to go to extremes to be able to compete, and we’re now witnessing the worst possible outcome of that desperation.

In late 2019, months after Skaggs’ passing, MLB and the players’ union amended their Joint Drug Agreement to include testing for opioids and other drugs. Hopefully, these increased measures and the testimonies shared in this case will prevent further tragedy.

If you or someone you know is battling with substance abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is available 24/7 every day in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text 43578 for confidential assistance.