Tyler was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2010 MLB Draft from Centennial HS in Bakersfield, but elected not to sign. In 2012, he was an All-American and the Western State Conference Player of the Year with Bakersfield College, going 8-1 with a 1.69 ERA. He then transferred to Oregon State, pitching two seasons with the Beavers, gathering a 2.40 ERA with no decisions. Tyler then signed with the Oakland Athletics, reporting to their Arizona Rookie League team, and making four appearances. He was then promoted to the A’s short-season team in Burlington, VT, spending two seasons with the Vermont Lake Monsters, making 31 appearances, earning three saves, and going 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA.