Nolan Schanuel Injury Update: Angels Make Announcement During Astros Game

The Los Angeles Angels may have lost the series opener against the Houston Astros, but they got off to a strong start on Tuesday night. However, the excitement was short-lived as first baseman Nolan Schanuel left the game midway after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.

Schanuel had recently returned from the injured list and even sat out Monday's game with a lingering ankle issue. But in the first inning on Tuesday night, he took a pitch off his left leg.

While the 24-year-old continued on, going 1-for-1 with an RBI, he eventually had to leave the game in the fourth inning, with Trey Mancini replacing him at first base as the Angels led by seven runs.

Angels PR later announced on X that Schanuel exited the game due to left calf tightness, but the fact that he was able to play through a few innings after taking the hit suggests the injury is not serious and should, at worst, be considered day-to-day.

Nolan Schanuel was removed from tonight's game with left calf tightness

— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 10, 2026

The Angels may also have simply been taking a cautious approach, given they were leading 7-0 and eventually won 10-1. Schanuel had also been reinstated only recently from the 10-day Injured List with left ankle inflammation, which is another reason for the team to be cautious.

Entering Tuesday's game, the Angels had a 25-42 record, tied with the Colorado Rockies for the worst mark in the league, and they certainly need Schanuel to remain healthy if they hope to get back into contention.

Schanuel was selected 11th overall by the Angels in 2023, and it didn't take him long to make his major league debut. He reached the majors just 40 days after being drafted, marking the fastest debut for a position player since Brian Milner in 1978. He then went on to record a hit in each of his first 10 career games, setting a franchise record for the longest hitting streak to begin a career.

While there has been some criticism of his power numbers, the 24-year-old has remained productive, posting a .258/.347/.371 batting line for his career. This season, Schanuel has four home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .306 on-base percentage across 52 games.

He has also handled four-seam fastballs particularly well this season, batting over .300 against the pitch type while producing strong expected contact numbers.

The Angels hope the injury to his left leg is minor and that he can return to the lineup for the series decider against the Astros on Wednesday night.

Related: Angels Player Set to Undergo Surgery

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 12:39 AM.