Angels News: Nolan Schanuel’s Mom Didn’t Believe He Was Getting Called Up
Rare is it that a rookie makes his MLB debut in the same season as his draft selection.
For rookie first basemen Nolan Schanuel, his dream became a reality much sooner than expected.
The Angels used their first-round draft pick on Schanuel in the 2023 MLB Draft, which took place in July. Schanuel was hitting .339 with a .955 OPS in his first 16 games in Double-A.
When first basemen C.J. Cron injured his back, it was time to bring Schanuel up to the big leagues.
For those closest to him, the news seemed too early and they doubted its legitimacy.
“I called my mom, woke her up, and she was like ‘Alright, stop messing with me,‘” Schanuel said. “My friends too. They were like ‘C’mon dude, you just got drafted six weeks ago.’ It took a little convincing.”
To General Manager Perry Minasian, Schanuel's promotion was no joke. The Angels now are the first team to call up a player from each of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 drafts.
"He's playing really well," Minasian said. "He's been very productive since he's been drafted. In Double-A. Against good competition. Hit righties. Hit lefties. Hit velocity. Once, we feel like he can handle it. Two, the experience will be great for him, similar to what we've done with some of our other young players."
The 21-year-old became the first position player to advance this quickly to the majors in 45 years. In his first two games, Schanuel has gone 3-for-12 with 2 walks and 4 runs scored.
