Angels edge Rangers 6-5 on July 29, as Nolan Schanuel and Taylor Ward deliver big hits. But with the trade deadline looming, what does this win mean for LA?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights at the Big A where you feel two things at once: the thrill of a hard-fought victory and the gnawing anxiety of an uncertain future. The Angels scraped by the Texas Rangers with a 6-5 win, a game full of clutch hits and tense moments. But as the cheers for the final out faded, the bigger questions facing this team came roaring back to the forefront. With the trade deadline breathing down our necks and Mike Trout's return still a mystery, Tuesday's win felt less like a turning point and more like a fascinating, nerve-wracking snapshot of a team at a crossroads.
Taylor Ward delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the 7th, while Nolan Schanuel blasted a three-run homer, reminding fans of the offensive firepower this team possesses even amidst the uncertainty.
On the field, it was all about grit. Nolan Schanuel was the star of the show, going 2-for-4 and launching a crucial three-run homer that kept the Angels in the fight. Just when they needed another spark, Taylor Ward stepped up in the seventh inning, lacing a double to drive in the go-ahead run. It was a classic team win, with key contributions up and down the lineup pushing the Angels to 52-55 and securing their second straight victory.
The biggest question mark heading into the game was on the mound, and Jack Kochanowicz delivered a reassuring answer. Freshly recalled from Salt Lake, the right-hander gave the Angels a much-needed quality outing, pitching 5.1 innings and striking out six while allowing three runs. After a brief demotion to work on his command, this was exactly the kind of poised, competitive performance the Halos needed from their young arm. It's a promising sign for a rotation that has been searching for stability.
While Kochanowicz provided stability, the ninth inning was anything but stable. Kenley Jansen came on for the save and, while he ultimately secured it for his 23rd of the year, he allowed another run that had fans holding their breath. This performance came amidst swirling rumors that his former club, the Dodgers, are making a serious push to acquire him before the trade deadline. Every pitch he throws feels like it could be his last in an Angels uniform, and Tuesday's shaky outing only adds another layer of intrigue to the saga.
The most concerning news of the day, however, had nothing to do with the game itself. The Angels confirmed that Mike Trout experienced renewed soreness after recent baseball activities, pushing his return to the lineup back indefinitely. Just days after we celebrated his 1,000th career RBI, we're once again left wondering when we'll see #27 patrolling center field. For a team fighting to stay relevant, the absence of its heart and soul is a massive blow, and the 'day-to-day' status now feels frustratingly vague.
So, where do the Angels go from here? A win is a win, and it's always great to beat a division rival. But the next 48 hours will likely define the rest of the 2025 season. Will Kenley Jansen be traded? Will the front office make any other moves? And when, if at all, will Mike Trout be healthy enough to lead this team again? Tonight's victory was a fun ride, but the real story is just beginning to unfold.
