Nolan Schanuel is adamant about being as low maintenance as possible, but if he has one need, it is that pitches that travel over the plate return to their original trajectory.
In the ninth inning of Friday’s series-opening triumph against the Dodgers, Schanuel’s two-run single to center field provided much-needed insurance, demonstrating his up-the-middle hitting technique.
The situation developed just like the Angels’ top contact hitter prefers. Zach Neto doubled to put runners on second and third after Matthew Lugo singled to start the ninth inning.
Schanuel took a 6-2 lead right away after tearing a first-pitch changeup into center.
Schanuel claims he has no preference for a position in the lineup, which is part of his laid-back demeanor. This season, he has hit second and sixth. When asked about it, however, he acknowledges his first choice would be second fiddle.
Schanuel said, “It’s much more fun with Neto in front.” “Watching his at-bats is thrilling, and being able to hit after him is fantastic.” It helps whomever is behind me if you are given RBI opportunities or if you move him from first to third on singles. Although I also enjoy the six-hole, I’m now particularly enjoying the two-hole.
Both Schanuel and Neto have.324 and.381 on-base percentages after Schanuel was returned to the No. 2 slot for a game against the Seattle Mariners on April 29 and Neto moved into the leadoff spot.
Prior to Saturday, Schanuel was batting.293 with a.375 on-base percentage in 20 games as a No. 2 hitter.
The Angels, who are trying to find their footing without Mike Trout in the lineup, were 6-6 before to Saturday but dropped four straight games right after the lineup change.
Both players have shown progress, according to manager Ron Washington.
“Well, it’s been working for us,” Washington stated. “Up until now, those two players have been providing us with the best at-bats. I’m enjoying it since it’s been working.
The tricky part now is getting Schanuel to do what he does best, which is to make contact and go up the middle, but also building up the strength of a corner infielder. In his first 217 games with the team, he has hit 16 home runs, but only two this season.
He is on track to hit just eight home runs this season after hitting 13 last season. Schanuel should stick to his contact style and take home runs when they are available, as Washington would desire.
“Remember that he is still learning and is only in his second (complete) year,” Washington remarked. “And sometimes when he does things that make him feel mighty, he goes to the plate trying to be mighty. Learning everything there is to know about him and his abilities will take time.
Washington may not fully understand Schanuel’s level of learning. He had four multi-hit games in his past eight games going into Saturday, and he was batting.345 over that time. His important single up the middle Friday is one example.
Schanuel stated, “I’m sticking with the process.” I’ve gotten out four times in games where I’ve smashed the ball. That’s simply the way baseball is. It has really helped that I have shifted my focus to the middle of the field, left-center, and right-right-center and have given up trying to pull the ball.
