Nolan Schanuel Returns from Injury but Faces Ongoing Challenges

LOS ANGELES — Nolan Schanuel has been activated from the injured list just in time for Saturday's showdown against the Dodgers, but he still faces hurdles in his recovery. The Angels first baseman had been sidelined since May 27 due to inflammation in his left ankle, stemming from a previous injury.

Despite his return, Schanuel acknowledges that he is not yet at full strength. "I would say I'm definitely doing a lot better," he stated. "When I went on the IL, it was kind of hard to walk around. Now, obviously, able to run, go to 85%, and it's feeling a lot better."

His brief rehabilitation stint with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga lasted just one game, where he played the entire nine innings. However, he reported feeling "super sore" afterward and believes he needs to readjust to being on his feet for extended periods. "It's to the point where I'm able to play on it, so I think take it and run," Schanuel remarked.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki indicated that Schanuel may need ongoing maintenance to manage his condition. "There might be times we have to take care of it a little bit, but I think for the most part it's going to be up to (Schanuel)," he said, emphasizing the importance of communication regarding Schanuel's daily status.

As the season progresses, many players struggle with minor injuries, and Schanuel's situation is no different. With the Angels currently holding a disappointing 24-40 record, the decision to bring Schanuel back early raises concerns about potential setbacks. However, the desire to return to the field remains strong. "I haven't really thought about it, but I would say, honestly, I don't know," Schanuel shared when asked if he was worried about aggravating his injury.

Hoping to improve his performance after the time off, Schanuel reflected on his mental state. "I would say still coming to the field every day and being around the guys, just like prepping to come back for me, kind of like a mental reset," he explained. Currently, he returns to the lineup with a batting average of .262, but he has struggled with walks and power, resulting in a .700 OPS.