Nolan Schanuel won't hit leadoff for the Angels in 2024.
Despite previously being named the leadoff hitter by Ron Washington earlier this week, the Angels manager has had a change of heart.
On Thursday, he revealed why.
"I want somebody that’s got a little bit of speed," Washington said. "I don’t want Schanuel to get on the bag and then clog them."
Washington said he'll have Schanuel in the two-hole instead, with one of Luis Rengifo or Mickey Moniak likely getting a majority of the work in the leadoff spot. He also mentioned 18-year-old Nelson Rada as someone who could hit leadoff at some point this season.
As for why Schanuel is in the two hole?
"He can move the baseball around the field and that second hole is situational," Washington said. "I am the kind of manager that I try to set my lineup for what needs to happen in the number that you’re hitting at.”
While Schanuel will open the season in the second spot in the lineup, Washington did make it clear that things could change as the year goes on.
"Now if I have to come back and make him the leadoff hitter because that’s what he’s done, I’m not saying that I won’t be prone to change. But right now, I actually want him hitting in the second hole."
Washington said he had a conversation with Schanuel so he's aware of the change of plans.
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