For the second edition of The Kennel we introduce you to RHP Tyler Higgins, one of the newer El Paso Chihuahuas. Higgins has posted an impressive 4-0 record in 2019 with three of those games as a Chihuahua and two saves with two save opportunities

Higgins signed a minor league contract with San Diego in December 2018 and suited up with the Sod Poodles in Double A out in Amarillo, TX after a rough first game here in El Paso. After Higgins' Chihuahuas debut, he put up 5 strong showings with Amarillo including a 2 inning, 4 K performance against Midland in what would shape up his lone win with 13 K's, 5 hits and only 1 run in 8.1 innings pitched in Double A. After returning to the Sun City, Higgins has put up 13 k's in 13.2 innings, 9 hits and 5 runs. These are just numbers though. Tyler Higgins spared some time to help us give you a better angle on learning more about the man himself.

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With Higgins being a new face in 2019 for the Chihuahuas the first thing we asked him was how he's been liking El Paso so far.

Every player has a journey that is unique in it's own way. Tyler shed some light on his path up to El Paso.

Although Higgins is fairly new to El Paso, he also got to experience a new team in Amarillo with the Sod Poodles in Double A ball. This is Higgins' reflection on his time spent with the Sod Poodles.

With Triple A being a step closer to the Majors we asked Higgins what adjustments he's made to reach and play in Triple A.

We also asked Higgins what part of his game he's been working on to continue improving as a key part of the El Paso bullpen.

This year balls are flying out of parks at rates that are higher than its own elevation. Higgins describes the environment of the bullpen knowing that they have so much help from the Chihuahuas' bats.

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In order to play up to your best you need to be ready for game day. It's not odd to find out that several players have superstitions that help them prepare for game time. Higgins is no different.

Walk Up songs are a way for a player to set the tone for his at bat. What will Higgins have blasting through the speakers at Southwest University Park when he's stepping up to the plate?

Last but not least the Chihuahuas are looking good so far in their sixth season. Literally, the new uniforms for 2019 have been fun for everybody in action and attendance for an El Paso game. This is Tyler's favorite one to wear when it's time to play ball.

On May 17th, Higgins was placed on the 7-day injured list after having appendix removal surgery. El Paso's bullpen has pitched just over one full game above the second spotted team in Tacoma at 409.1 with 418.2 innings. The Chihuahuas are also second in strikeouts, as of May 22nd, with 417 while Tacoma is third with 416 and Oklahoma City fourth with 415. Sacramento is in a league of its own at number one with 449.

That wraps it up for this edition of The Kennel. Catch the rest of El Paso's home stand as the 29-17 Chihuahuas look to even the series at best trailing 2-0 to the Aces (19-27). First pitch of game three is at 7:05 here in the Sun City and be sure to catch it all on on 600 ESPN El Paso and the 600 ESPN El Paso App.

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