The Angels introduced this afternoon that first baseman Nolan Schanuel has been positioned on the 10-day injured checklist with a left wrist contusion. Outfielder Matthew Lugo was recalled to interchange Schanuel on the roster.
The 23-year-old Schanuel was chosen eleventh general by Anaheim within the 2023 draft and made his massive league debut later that very same yr. He was an above-average hitter from the very outset, slashing .275/.402/.330 (113 wRC+) in 29 video games on the massive league stage throughout his draft yr. A scarcity of energy has restricted Schanuel’s ceiling considerably, however he’s nonetheless been a top quality common for the Angels at first base. This season, he’s slashed .266/.355/.383 (108 wRC+) with a career-low 12.3% strikeout charge, ten residence runs, and 5 steals in six makes an attempt. Most notably, he’s made strides at first base after beginning out as a nicely beneath common glove to publish common (+0 Fielding Run Worth) protection on the place in accordance some superior metrics.
All of that’s now on maintain, as Schanuel is ticketed for the injured checklist for not less than the subsequent week. Schanuel was struck by a pitch from Phillies southpaw Ranger Suarez that on the time brought on what was labelled as a left wrist contusion, the identical analysis Schanuel is now headed to the shelf with. That was greater than a month in the past, so it’s not clear if this ailment is similar one which was attributable to that hit by pitch. With that being stated, Schanuel’s numbers have fallen off in a giant means since that incident in Philadelphia. In 30 video games, he’s slashed simply .243/.328/.342 (90 wRC+). That’s a big downgrade from the 113 wRC+ Schanuel posted via the top of that collection in opposition to the Phillies, and for the reason that finish of that collection Schanuel has been putting out extra usually and strolling far lower than 10% of the time, a serious change of tempo for a affected person, OBP-focused hitter like him.
No matter the reason for Schanuel’s ailing wrist, the Angels have clearly determined that it will be smart to supply the 23-year-old a while to heal. With a 61-68 file getting into play right now, the Angels sit 7.5 video games again of an AL Wild Card spot and even additional behind the AL West, so the potential for a playoff berth is a distant consideration at finest. That certainly made it a comparatively simple choice to prioritize Schanuel’s long-term well being, and it stands to cause that the membership gained’t attempt to rush Schanuel again into the lineup earlier than he’s utterly wholesome. Niko Kavadas, who made his MLB debut final yr with Anaheim and is a profession .184/.286/.327 (78 wRC+) hitter on the massive league stage, figures to deal with the keystone in Schanuel’s absence.
Changing Schanuel on the energetic roster is Lugo, who made his MLB debut earlier this yr and has performed primarily heart subject after spending time each within the outfield and on the infield throughout his time within the minors. A second-round decide by the Crimson Sox again in 2019, Lugo got here to Anaheim as a part of a commerce final summer time. He’s carried out nicely in a restricted have a look at the MLB stage, with a .238/.256/.548 (115 wRC+) slash line in 17 video games. That strong efficiency is generally carried by his three homers, however he’s nonetheless regarded like a viable complementary piece for the Angels’ outfield combine. Lugo may vie for taking part in time in heart subject, which is at present occupied by Bryce Teodosio. Jo Adell and Taylor Ward have locked down the outfield corners and appear all however sure to stay on a regular basis gamers down the stretch, barring an harm.
