Angels News: Nolan Schanuel's On Base Streak Sets an MLB Record
A surprising call-up from the minor leagues, Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel added another accomplishment to his already stellar first campaign.
Drafted this season with the 11th overall pick, the Angels' rookie has looked anything but after setting a new MLB record in his first 25 games.
With a base hit on Friday, he established a new on-base streak mark for a player 21 or younger to open his career.
Early in Saturday's matinee in Minnesota, he extended that streak to 26 with an infield single, which tied him for fourth all time to open his MLB career.
Longest on-base streaks to begin an MLB career:
- Alvin Davis (SEA, 1984) - 47
- James "Truck" Hannah (NYY, 1918) - 38
- Enos Slaughter (STL, 1938) - 29
- Nolan Schanuel - 26
Schanuel's surprising promotion to the majors has paid massive dividends for the team after notching an on-base percentage of .403 through the earliest stages of his career.
Critics quickly pointed out his lack of power during the stretch, but the infielder's injection into the team's lineup has uplifted an otherwise dark season at the big A.
While his slugging isn't where he'd like it to be, the rookie's taken over Shohei Ohtani's leadoff role in stride for a team needing some life late in the season.
Searching for any silver lining in a year without playoff baseball, the Halos can at least view their new first baseman as a major contributor for both their present and future.
Though Schanuel is certainly a reason for Angels fans to smile, the rest of the season and beyond certainly look bleak.
Set for an offseason unlike any other, both of the Halos stars of Ohtani and Mike Trout could depart after spending six injury-plagued and underwhelming seasons together.
At the risk of losing their Japanese superstar to free agency, their homegrown talent and former three-time MVP could finally want out after a decade in Anaheim.
If Trout does request a trade, the general manager who accepts it may not be Perry Minasian after some around the team believe his job isn't secure after this season.
Whether or not the center fielder's trade request goes through remains to be seen, but Schanuel alongside other young pieces Zach Neto and Logan O'Hoppe will usher in the newest era of Angels baseball.
Related: Why Did Logan O’Hoppe Stay and Watch the Twins Celebrate Their Postseason Berth?
