Nolan Schanuel’s ongoing battle with a sore left calf is becoming an increasing concern for both the young first baseman and the Los Angeles Angels, as the injury has not improved in the way either side had anticipated. What initially seemed like a manageable issue has gradually evolved into a situation that may require more serious intervention, including a possible stint on the injured list.
Schanuel was absent from the lineup once again on Tuesday, marking his third consecutive day out since aggravating the already troublesome calf injury. The fact that he has not been able to return to action in that span is a clear indication that the discomfort is more than just a minor, short-term setback. As the days pass without significant improvement, the possibility of placing him on the injured list is becoming more realistic.
Speaking candidly about his condition, Schanuel explained that while the injury isn’t completely debilitating, it continues to linger in a frustrating way. He described waking up the previous day with noticeable tightness in the calf, which prompted him to undergo treatment in hopes of alleviating the issue. However, despite those efforts, the discomfort persisted into the following morning. According to Schanuel, the calf still feels bothersome, particularly when he attempts to test it through light running or movement.
The situation has clearly taken a toll on him, not only physically but mentally as well. Schanuel expressed frustration about being unable to perform at full capacity and contribute to the team the way he wants to. For a competitive athlete, especially one still establishing himself at the major league level, being sidelined or limited by injury can be particularly discouraging. He acknowledged that the inability to consistently take the field and compete has been difficult to accept, emphasizing how much he values being available for his team.
Manager Kurt Suzuki, who had initially downplayed the severity of the injury just a few days earlier, now appears to be taking a more cautious and open-minded approach. On Sunday, Suzuki had dismissed the notion of an injured list stint, suggesting that the team believed Schanuel could recover without needing extended time away. However, by Tuesday, his tone had shifted slightly. While he stopped short of confirming any immediate plans, Suzuki admitted that the team has at least begun to consider the possibility.
For now, the Angels are opting to take things one day at a time. The immediate plan is to allow Schanuel additional rest while continuing treatment, with the hope that this combination will lead to noticeable improvement. Suzuki indicated that the team will reassess after another day, paying close attention to how Schanuel responds to both the rest and the medical care he receives.
The hesitation to place him on the injured list likely stems from the implications such a move would carry. Under league rules, a player placed on the injured list must remain sidelined for a minimum of 10 days. While there is an option to backdate the move by up to three days, it would still require Schanuel to miss at least a full week from the point of the transaction. For a team that values his presence in the lineup, committing to that length of absence is not a decision to be made lightly.
At the same time, there is a balancing act involved. Allowing Schanuel to continue playing through discomfort carries its own risks, including the possibility of worsening the injury.
If the calf does not heal properly, what is currently a nagging issue could develop into a more serious problem, potentially leading to an even longer absence down the line. This is the dilemma the Angels currently face: whether to prioritize short-term availability or long-term health.
Adding another layer to the situation is the fact that this calf issue has not developed in isolation. Schanuel revealed that the discomfort has been bothering him for much of the season, tracing back to early April.
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Around April 4, he suffered an ankle injury on the same leg while running the bases, and it appears that the calf problem may be connected to or exacerbated by that earlier incident. Injuries in the lower leg can often be interconnected, as compensation in one area can place additional strain on another.
Because the issue has been lingering for weeks, it has likely impacted Schanuel’s performance on the field. He admitted that his offensive production has dipped somewhat, and he believes the ongoing leg discomfort has played a role in that decline.
For a hitter, stability and lower-body strength are critical components of generating power and maintaining consistency at the plate. Even a slight limitation in the legs can disrupt timing, balance, and overall effectiveness.
This context makes the situation even more significant for the Angels. Schanuel is not just another player on the roster; he is an important piece of their lineup, and any reduction in his performance can have ripple effects throughout the team’s offensive output. If he is playing at less than full strength, the team must weigh whether his presence, in a compromised state, is more beneficial than giving him time to fully recover.
From a broader perspective, this scenario underscores the challenges teams face in managing player health over the course of a long season. Baseball’s demanding schedule leaves little room for extended rest, and players often try to push through minor injuries in order to stay on the field. However, what starts as a minor issue can quickly escalate if not properly addressed.
For Schanuel, the coming days will be crucial. If the additional rest and treatment lead to noticeable improvement, he may be able to avoid the injured list and return to action sooner rather than later. On the other hand, if the calf continues to feel tight or aggravated, the Angels may have little choice but to take the more cautious route and give him extended time off.
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Suzuki’s comments suggest that the team is prepared to make a decision based on how Schanuel responds in the immediate future. There is a clear desire for him to feel better quickly, but also an understanding that rushing the process could be counterproductive. The goal is not just to get him back into the lineup, but to ensure that he can perform at a high level once he returns.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the uncertainty that often accompanies injuries in professional sports. Even with modern medical treatment and careful monitoring, recovery timelines can be unpredictable. What seems like a minor setback one day can linger longer than expected, forcing teams to adjust their plans accordingly.
For now, all eyes remain on Schanuel and how his calf responds over the next day or two. The Angels are holding out hope that he can avoid a trip to the injured list, but they are also preparing for the possibility that more rest may be necessary. In the meantime, Schanuel continues to deal with the frustration of being sidelined, eager to get back on the field and contribute, but aware that patience may ultimately be the best course of action.
COOLING OFF
Vaughn Grissom, who filled in at first base for Nolan Schanuel on both Sunday and Tuesday, has been struggling to find consistency at the plate. Over his last 28 at-bats, he has managed just two hits, a stretch that has significantly impacted his overall offensive numbers. As a result, his batting average has dipped to .214, while his OPS has fallen to .632, reflecting a downturn in his recent production.
Despite these struggles, manager Suzuki has continued to show confidence in Grissom by placing him in the No. 3 spot in the batting order—a role typically held by Schanuel. This decision suggests that Suzuki still believes in Grissom’s ability to contribute, even if the results have not been there lately.
Suzuki acknowledged that Grissom’s performance has cooled off compared to earlier stretches, but he also emphasized that the numbers don’t tell the full story. According to him, Grissom has been making solid contact more often than his stat line might indicate. In several instances during games, Grissom has hit the ball hard, only to have it end up directly at a defender or result in a well-struck line drive being caught. These types of outcomes, while frustrating, are often more a matter of bad luck than poor execution.
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From Suzuki’s perspective, the quality of Grissom’s at-bats remains encouraging. Even though the hits aren’t falling in, he is still approaching his plate appearances with the right mindset and making productive swings. Suzuki pointed out that while everyone including Grissom himself would prefer to see better results, the underlying process has been positive. The effort, discipline, and approach at the plate are all signs that Grissom is not far off from turning things around.
Suzuki also suggested that if Grissom continues to stay committed to his current approach, improvement is likely to follow. Slumps are a natural part of baseball, and players often go through stretches where the results don’t align with the quality of their performance. In Grissom’s case, Suzuki believes that persistence and consistency will eventually lead to better outcomes.
Ultimately, while the recent numbers may not be impressive, there is still a sense of optimism surrounding Grissom’s play. The combination of hard contact, competitive at-bats, and managerial support indicates that his struggles may be temporary. If he can maintain his current level of effort and continue putting the ball in play with authority, it’s only a matter of time before those hard-hit balls start finding gaps instead of gloves.
NOTES
Third baseman Yoán Moncada continues to deal with inflammation in his right knee, and the situation remains under careful evaluation. According to manager Ron Washington, Moncada is scheduled to consult with another medical specialist later this week in hopes of gaining further clarity about the condition and determining the best course of action moving forward.
At this stage, there are no immediate plans for any surgical or invasive procedures. Instead, the focus remains on rehabilitation, as Moncada works through a recovery program designed to reduce inflammation and restore strength and mobility in the knee. The team appears to be taking a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over rushing him back into action.
Meanwhile, right-handed reliever Ben Joyce is making gradual progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Joyce has resumed throwing activities, which marks a positive step in his rehab process. However, he has not yet advanced to throwing off a mound, indicating that he is still in the earlier phases of rebuilding arm strength and endurance.
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Currently based in Arizona, Joyce had previously been close to rejoining the Angels before the team decided to slow down his rehabilitation. That decision came after he experienced some difficulty recovering between throwing sessions, suggesting that his arm was not responding as well as hoped. By easing off and allowing more time for proper recovery, the organization aims to ensure that Joyce can return at full strength without risking setbacks.
In another injury update, left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz is nearing a potential return to the active roster. Pomeranz, who has been sidelined with elbow inflammation, took an important step forward by throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday while the team was in Detroit.
This session is a key milestone in his recovery, as it demonstrates that his elbow is responding well enough to handle more intense pitching activity. If his progress continues without complications, Pomeranz will be eligible to be activated as soon as Thursday. His return could provide a valuable boost to the pitching staff, particularly if he is able to regain the form that made him an effective option out of the bullpen.
Overall, the Angels are navigating a series of injury situations with a measured and patient approach. Moncada’s case remains uncertain as he seeks further medical input, Joyce is steadily working his way back following surgery, and Pomeranz appears to be on the verge of rejoining the team. Each situation reflects the organization’s emphasis on careful management of player health, ensuring that each athlete returns only when fully ready to contribute.
UP NEXT
The Los Angeles Angels are set to take on the Detroit Tigers in a Wednesday afternoon matchup, with first pitch scheduled for 3:40 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on ABTV and can also be heard on 830 AM. On the mound for the Angels will be right-hander José Soriano, who enters the contest with an impressive 6-3 record and a strong 2.44 ERA, highlighting his consistency and effectiveness so far this season. Opposing him will be Tigers right-hander Casey Mize, who holds a 2-3 record but has been equally sharp, carrying a 2.47 ERA into the game.
This pitching duel features two starters who have delivered solid performances throughout the year, making it an intriguing matchup. Soriano has been a reliable arm for the Angels, limiting runs and keeping his team competitive in most of his outings. Meanwhile, Mize has shown flashes of dominance despite his record, suggesting he has pitched better than his win-loss total indicates.
With both teams looking to gain momentum, this game could hinge on which pitcher is able to maintain control and minimize mistakes. Fans can expect a tightly contested battle.
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