The Los Angeles Angels have hit a rough patch, dropping three straight games while managing just five total runs, slipping to 12–15 and the bottom of the AL West standings. To make matters worse, first baseman Nolan Schanuel suffered a scare after fouling a ball off his right knee. Initially, there were concerns he might be headed to the injured list, but on Sunday, the third-year pro shared a more optimistic update on his condition, easing some of those worries.
According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Nolan Schanuel offered a hopeful update on his knee injury after a scare during a recent game. “Feeling a lot better, definitely,” Schanuel said, noting that although the initial pain was alarming—his knee gave out when he tried to walk—it has improved significantly since. “I woke up, felt a lot better. Walking on it is a lot better as well,” he added, suggesting he may have avoided a serious injury.
Schanuel has been solid for the Angels early in the 2025 season, posting a .247/.327/.382 slash line with a .709 OPS through 26 games—numbers nearly identical to his 2024 output (.705 OPS in 147 games). The Angels are hoping the young first baseman can return without needing a trip to the injured list.
Schanuel described the immediate aftermath of the injury as unsettling, saying, “I tried to walk on it, and it just gave out on me. Right after it happened, I was hoping for the best and kind of thinking the worst was going to happen.” However, as the pain subsided, his outlook improved: “After time passed and I started walking on it, I wasn’t thinking it shouldn’t be that bad.”
The 2025 season has seen Schanuel off to a steady start. In 26 games, he’s slashing .247/.327/.382 with a .709 OPS—slightly above his 2024 mark of .705 over 147 games. The Angels are optimistic he’ll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list and return to the lineup soon.
Leave a Reply