The Nolan Schanuel story for the Los Angeles Angels just keeps getting better.
Schanuel, the first-round draft pick of the Angels THIS YEAR, was called up to the big leagues after just weeks of minor league seasoning. Against the backdrop of skepticism and criticism, Schanuel has excelled, becoming the best part of a lost second half for the Angels.
The contact-driven lefty is hitting at the top of the Angels order and went 1-for-4 on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, extending his awesome on-base streak to start a career.
Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
Most consecutive games reaching base safely to start career, since 1900:
1984 Alvin Davis: 47
1918 Truck Hannah: 38
1938 Enos Slaughter: 29
2023 Nolan Schanuel: 26*
1966 George Scott: 26
1961 Dick Howser: 26
* = active streak extended today h/t @EliasSports
The 21-year-old Schanuel is hitting .283 through his first 99 at-bats. While there's still questions about his power (he has just one home run), there's no question about his ability to make contact and put the ball in play.
No one knows what the Angels will look like in 2024, given the uncertainty around Mike Trout and the free agency of Shohei Ohtani, but Schanuel is certain to a big part of the plans.
He'll have a chance to extend his streak on Sunday afternoon when the Angels play the Twins again at Target Field.
First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET as the Twins send righty Joe Ryan to the mound.
The Angels haven't announced a starter as of this posting.
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