Nolan Schanuel DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (knee) is back at first base and is batting in the two-hole for Tuesday's contest against the division-rival Seattle Mariners and right-hander Bryce Miller at T-Mobile Park. Schanuel bruised his right knee on Saturday when he fouled a pitch off of it against the Minnesota Twins, and he was held out of Sunday's lineup as a result. But after a day off on Monday, the 23-year-old left-handed hitter will return to the starting nine. The former 11th overall pick in 2023 out of Florida Atlantic University comes into Tuesday's contest slashing a mediocre .247/.327/.382 with a .709 OPS, two home runs, eight RBI and 11 runs scored in 89 at-bats. Schanuel has gone hitless in his last 11 plate appearances with four strikeouts in four games and is hitless in five career at-bats against Miller.

After fouling a pitch off his knee on Saturday, Los Angeles' first baseman Nolan Schanuel was removed from the game against the Minnesota Twins. It does not sound too serious, as he underwent further testing, and there is no structural damage. On Sunday, Schanuel also mentioned that he is feeling better. For the time being, he is considered day to day. J.D. Davis will fill in at first base for the Angels while Schanuel recovers. The Angels have an off day on Monday, so that should help give Schanuel an extra day off before they hit the road to Seattle to take on their division rival, the Mariners, in a two-game series.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (knee) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. This comes as little surprise after Schanuel was removed from Saturday's game after fouling a ball off his knee. The team hasn't placed him on the injured list, but the Angels are likely waiting to do anything until the testing comes back. For now, fantasy managers should consider Schanuel as day-to-day. J.D. Davis will take over at first base and bat seventh versus right-hander Joe Ryan on Sunday. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Schanuel.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (knee) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Yikes, Schanuel needed to be helped off the field after fouling a ball off his knee during Saturday's contest. The team is calling it a knee contusion, but the assumption is that Schanuel will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. Fantasy managers should consider Schanuel as day-to-day until more information is revealed. J.D. Davis took over at first base and could see more time over there if Schanuel is forced to miss time.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel worked to improve his bat speed during the offseason. Last season, the former 11th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft placed in the second percentile in bat speed (65.2 mph). He generated a weak 25.4 percent hard-hit rate and a 3.5 percent barrel rate which placed him in the fourth and ninth percentiles respectively. Across a career-high 147 contests last season, Schanuel held a .250/.343/.362 line with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases. However, despite the modest power outputs, the Florida Atlantic showed a strong eye at the plate as he drew walks at an 11.2 percent rate and only struck out at a 17.0 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Schanuel to operate as the starting first baseman in Los Angeles and could be worth a look in deeper formats if he shows power improvement during spring training.