Angels vs. Mets (July 21, 2025): Can Tyler Anderson & Taylor Ward lead the Halos to .500 against Kodai Senga? Nolan Schanuel's return looms large.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Los Angeles Angels are standing at a crossroads. At 49-50, the .500 mark is tantalizingly close, and after a confidence-boosting series win over the Phillies, the team rolls into New York with a chance to make a statement. Tonight, they open a crucial three-game series against the formidable New York Mets, a test that could set the tone for the rest of their challenging road trip and their push for relevance in the AL West.
With first baseman Nolan Schanuel potentially returning from a wrist contusion as soon as tonight, the Angels' lineup could get a significant on-base boost at the perfect time.
The series kicks off with a compelling pitching matchup. Veteran lefty Tyler Anderson takes the mound for the Angels, tasked with silencing a potent Mets lineup that has powered their team to a 56-44 record. He'll be dueling with Kodai Senga, the Mets' ace, making runs a precious commodity. The Angels will need their key bats, like the powerful Taylor Ward (23 HR, 73 RBI) and the dynamic Zach Neto (.281 AVG), to solve Senga and give Anderson the support he needs to secure a massive Game 1 victory on the road.
The biggest question mark heading into tonight's game is the status of first baseman Nolan Schanuel. Sidelined with a left wrist contusion, reports suggest he could be activated for the series opener. While no official move has been made as of Monday morning, his return would be a massive lift. Schanuel's patient approach and high on-base percentage at the top of the order have been sorely missed. Getting him back would deepen the lineup and provide another weapon for manager Ron Washington as the team navigates this tough stretch.
Manager Ron Washington continues to steer the ship with a steady hand, keeping the team fighting despite hovering around .500. Management has also made moves to support the cause, recently recalling left-handed pitcher Jake Eder from Triple-A Salt Lake while optioning Jack Kochanowicz. This move provides Washington with a fresh arm in the bullpen, a crucial piece of the puzzle for a team trying to climb back into the AL West race, where they currently sit eight games behind the leader. Every game, and every pitching decision, counts.
This series is more than just three games in late July; it's a litmus test for the 2025 Angels. Can they build on their momentum against a quality opponent and prove they belong in the playoff conversation? With Schanuel's return imminent and the team fighting to get back to even, the next three days in the Big Apple could very well define the Angels' path as the trade deadline approaches and the season's narrative takes shape.
