Los Angeles Angels' Rookie Part of Unique Baseball History in Major League Debut on Friday
On Friday, the Los Angeles Angels shocked the baseball world by bringing up 2023 first-round draft pick Nolan Schanuel.
The first baseman, selected out of Florida Atlantic just six weeks ago, is the first player from this year's draft to make his debut.
Not only did he make his debut, he hit leadoff in his debut, going 1-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk as the Angels lost to the Rays, 9-6.
On the defensive side though, Schanuel was involved in some unique baseball history, doing something that hasn't happened in nearly the last 30 years.
Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
Nolan Schanuel is the first player to be part of turning a triple play in his MLB debut since Sal Fasano on April 3, 1996
h/t @EliasSports
The triple play occurred in the top of the ninth inning but the Angels went on to lose after surrendering three runs in the top of the tenth.
The loss continues the slide for the Angels since the trade deadline. After going all-in to try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, the Halos have dropped six of their last 10 and are now 60-63 on the year.
They are in fourth place in the American League West and have fallen to 7.5 games back in the chase for the third and final wild card spot.
As part of preparations for looming Hurricane Hilary, the Angels are playing a doubleheader on Saturday against the Rays.
Game 1 is 4:07 p.m. ET while Game 2 is 9:07 p.m. ET.
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