ARLINGTON – Christian Moore, recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier in the day, batted eighth and started at second base for the Angels against Texas on Saturday night.
He is seeing his first action in the Majors since June 26.
“It’s always exciting to be back,” Moore said before the game. “Obviously this time I want to stay and help these guys win and finish the season strong.”
Gustavo Campero was also recalled Saturday. He started in left field, making his first appearance this season.
To make room on the 25-man roster, the Angels placed infielder Nolan Schanuel (right intercostal muscle strain) on 10-day IL, retroactive to Friday. Outfielder Wade Meckler, who was hit in the head with a 90 mph pitch Thursday in Houston, was placed on the seven-day concussion IL, retroactive to Friday.
Schanuel’s injury was a tough break for a hitter swinging the bat well. Schanuel had eight hits and seven RBIs in his past six games.
Manager Kurt Suzuki said Schanuel had been dealing with the injury, so the team decided to take the “precautionary route.”
“Obviously it’s disappointing,” Suzuki said. “He's been swinging really, really good. Every at-bat has been quality, line drives all over the place. So it's definitely a blow. But again, it gives another person an opportunity to step up and get some reps.”
The 23-year-old Moore, the Angels’ top Draft pick in 2024 out of the University of Tennessee, remains an important prospect for the franchise. The Angels hope he can be a foundational piece along with Schanuel and Zach Neto.
Still, he is an unproven player.
During a brief recall earlier this season, Moore struggled, going 4-for-20 (.200) with 11 strikeouts. He was optioned to Salt Lake on June 27. He has impressed in the Minors this season, however, hitting .302 with 11 homers, 60 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and a .943 OPS.
On Tuesday, he was a single shy of hitting for the cycle for the Bees, going 3-for-5, with four runs scored and two RBIs.
Moore hopes his second chances come mostly at second base, the position he has the most pro reps, though he’s played in the outfield and welcomes any opportunity.
“At the end of the day, I love this game. I love playing baseball,” Moore said. “So whenever I have another opportunity to play a game, that's all the reset I need. I know I got a job to do. Whether I'm here or down there, I got to do my job.”