Wade Miley Named in Court Documents as Alleged Drug Supplier for Tyler Skaggs

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley is implicated in court documents as a potential drug supplier for Tyler Skaggs, the former Los Angeles Angels pitcher who tragically died from an accidental overdose in 2019.

In a deposition, Ryan Hamill, Skaggs' former agent, revealed that Skaggs confided in him about using pain pills containing oxycodone, allegedly supplied by Miley. This revelation forms part of a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by Skaggs' family against the Angels in California.

Eric Kay, a former publicist for the Angels, was convicted in Texas for providing fentanyl-laced pills that contributed to Skaggs' death, receiving a 22-year federal prison sentence. The circumstances surrounding Skaggs' death unfolded in a Dallas hotel room, just hours before a scheduled game between the Angels and the Texas Rangers.

While Miley currently faces no criminal charges, his name has surfaced previously in connection with Skaggs' tragic passing. During Kay's sentencing, prosecutors referenced a recorded conversation where Kay identified Miley as one of Skaggs' drug suppliers.

The Reds organization declined to comment on the matter Thursday, and Miley was not available for immediate response.

Matt Harvey, a retired major league pitcher, testified during Kay's trial that he had provided drugs to Skaggs. Following this admission, Harvey received a 60-day suspension for breaching MLB's drug policy and did not return to major league play. He, along with three other players, recounted instances of receiving pills from Skaggs and described the recreational drug culture within the Angels organization.

Harvey and Skaggs were teammates during the 2019 season, while Miley and Skaggs played together on the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2012 to 2013.

Hamill noted that the conversation where Skaggs implicated Miley occurred in 2013. Concerned about Skaggs' erratic behavior, Hamill had reached out to Skaggs' parents. This led to a confrontation at home where Skaggs admitted to drug use and accused Miley of supplying him.

Miley, now 38 years old, signed a one-year contract with the Reds on June 4 and has made two starts this season. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in May 2024 and subsequently signed a minor league deal with Cincinnati in February.

He had an opt-out clause if he did not reach the major leagues by June 1 but chose to remain with Cincinnati while exploring potential opportunities with other teams before re-signing with the Reds.