After a shutout loss to the Orioles on June 14, the Angels acquire LaMonte Wade Jr. to boost their offense, while Nolan Schanuel continues to shine.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when fans were stewing over another shutout loss, the Angels' front office delivered a dose of hopeful news. On Saturday, the team acquired outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. from the San Francisco Giants, a significant move to bolster a lineup in desperate need of depth and consistency. The trade provides a much-needed reinforcement as the Halos prepare to face the Baltimore Orioles again, hoping to avoid another loss in a lopsided rivalry.
Since May 3, Nolan Schanuel is batting .310 with an impressive .422 on-base percentage, establishing himself as a key offensive anchor.
The acquisition of LaMonte Wade Jr. directly addresses the Angels' outfield vulnerabilities. With Mike Trout still not ready for right field duties and Jorge Soler battling groin tightness, the team's depth has been paper-thin. Wade provides a reliable glove and a veteran bat. While a corresponding roster move is still to be announced to make room for him, this trade signals that the front office is actively seeking solutions rather than standing pat. It's a proactive move aimed at shoring up the roster for the grueling summer months.
While the team as a whole has struggled for consistency, first baseman Nolan Schanuel has been a revelation. Since the beginning of May, he has been one of the toughest outs in the lineup, hitting .310 with eight doubles and a home run. More importantly, his .422 on-base percentage during that span highlights the patient, professional approach he brings to the two-hole. His ability to get on base ahead of power threats like Taylor Ward (18 HR, 46 RBI) is exactly what the Angels need to generate more offense.
After being shut out 2-0 in the series opener where Jack Kochanowicz gave a valiant effort, the pressure now falls on Tyler Anderson's shoulders. The veteran lefty (2-3, 3.99 ERA) is tasked with evening the series against a dominant Orioles team that has won 20 of the last 25 meetings. He'll face a tough opponent in right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (5-4, 3.23 ERA). The Angels desperately need Anderson to deliver a quality start and give their bats a chance to wake up.
Tonight is a classic 'prove it' game. With the buzz of a new acquisition in the air and a tough opponent in the other dugout, the Angels have a chance to show some fight. All eyes will be on Tyler Anderson to play the stopper role and for the offense, led by the ever-patient Nolan Schanuel, to finally break through against a formidable Orioles team. A win tonight could be the jolt of energy this team desperately needs.
