Schanuel Returns Injured
Nolan Schanuel Returns to Angels Lineup Despite Ankle Soreness, Soler to Injured List
Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel is back in the starting lineup after missing time with left ankle inflammation — but he is not fully healthy. Schanuel admitted he is running at "about 85%" and felt "super sore" after playing a full rehab game at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on June 5, according to Press Enterprise.
His return came alongside a wave of roster moves on June 6. Designated hitter Jorge Soler was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, opening the roster spot Schanuel needed to be activated, OC Register reported.
Schanuel's Ankle Still a Concern at 85%
Schanuel first hurt his ankle on May 23 against the Texas Rangers. He tried to stop a wild throw and felt immediate pain. The Angels placed him on the 10-day injured list on May 27, retroactive to May 24. An MRI showed tendinitis in the left ankle, according to Daily Breeze.
Manager Kurt Suzuki said the team is willing to play him below full strength. "We can accept [him being under 100%]," Suzuki said. He added that the Angels would give Schanuel rest days if the soreness gets worse. Schanuel is slashing .262/.313/.387 with 4 home runs and 24 RBIs in 49 games this season.
Soler's Oblique Strain Opens Roster Door
Jorge Soler was scratched from the lineup against the Dodgers on June 5 — just ten minutes before first pitch. The Angels initially called it "hip irritation." A day later, they placed him on the IL with a left oblique strain, retroactive to June 4, according to SB Sun.
Soler is hitting .220 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs in 58 games. He carries a $16 million salary in 2026. His injury history includes back inflammation that disrupted his 2025 season. His absence creates a clear hole in the Angels' lineup at a time when the team sits at 24-40, last in the AL West.
Campero Roster Move Blocks Minor League Exit
The Angels also made a quiet but strategic move involving outfielder Gustavo Campero. They selected his contract from Double-A Rocket City and immediately placed him on the major league injured list with a right hand fracture. Campero was hitting .287/.375/.455 before getting hurt, according to Press Enterprise.
The move looks unusual — but it has a clear purpose. Minor league players can have "opt-out" clauses that let them leave if they are not added to the 40-man roster by set dates. By selecting Campero's contract now, the Angels keep his rights. To clear a 40-man roster spot, catcher Omar Martinez was designated for assignment.
Young Stars Healthy Now, But Risk Remains Real
Schanuel, 24, is one of the Angels' most important young players. He was a first-round pick in 2023 and rose quickly to the majors. Analysts have warned that rushing him back at 85% during a lost season could lead to re-injury. A worsened ankle tendinitis could require surgery and end his 2026 entirely, according to Daily News.
The Angels already carry over $54 million in 2026 payroll for Anthony Rendon ($38.6M) and Soler ($16M) — two players frequently hurt and unable to play. Suzuki says the plan is to monitor Schanuel closely and use rest days as needed. For now, the Angels need his bat in the lineup more than they need caution on the calendar.
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