The Los Angeles Angels have been the most aggressive team in giving their rookies an opportunity to play at the highest level, including that of Nolan Schanuel, who was selected in the first round just months ago.
Schanuel’s fast track to Major League Baseball was made out of both need for a quality bat, and because of his play in the minors. The 21-year-old from Boca Raton, Florida, has posted an .808 on-base plus slugging through 37 at-bats, scoring 11 runs and tallying two RBI.
With his ninth inning single on Wednesday, Schanuel made Angels history, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach base with a hit in his first 10 games in MLB.
The base hit not only made history, by passing David Eckstein for the accomplishment, but it put runner’s on the corners and set up a comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Schanuel has already produced very positive results with his ability to stay within the strike zone, while making contact at an insane rate.
His approach has earned him some early praise from those around baseball, including members of the Angels coaching staff because of how advanced he’s looked thus far.
Phil Nevin impressed by Angels rookie Nolan Schanuel
While Schanuel may not have Major League pop in his bat, his elite plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills make him a valuable piece. It wasn’t until his ninth MLB hit that he recorded his first extra-base hit.
Schanuel’s discipline stems from work he did at Florida Atlantic University, when he saw his batting average increase from .343 his freshman year to .447 by his third and final college campaign. Now, his goals at the Major League level are simple.
The Angels immediately placed him in the leadoff role upon calling him up to MLB, and his continued ability to get on base is why he’s been able to find success early on.
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