Angels Nolan Schanuel Out Of The Lineup After Suffering A 'Testicular Contusion' Fouling Ball Off Of His Junk

Nolan Schanuel probably felt like he was hit in the groin when a retroactive scoring change ended his on-base streak to begin his career at 30 games earlier this month. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Angels first baseman was actually hit in the groin Saturday.

In the top of the third inning of the Angels 7-2 loss to the Red Sox in Boston, Schanuel fouled a ball off of what was believed to be his upper leg area. It turns out the foul ball caught more than just his upper leg.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nolan Schanuel #18 of the Los Angeles Angels walks onto the field for the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 25, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

He went down immediately in pain and was given some time to recover before finishing the at-bat. He promptly struck out looking before limping back to the dugout complaining about the third strike, which, to his credit, given his condition was a touch low.

Schanuel, who apparently goes without a cup - at least at the plate - tried to tough it out after the foul ball to the groin. He stayed in the game until the next inning before tapping out.

After the game, manager Ron Washington provided the media with an update on Schanuel's condition. He used a couple of words that no man or woman, depending on the version of science you subscribe to, wants to hear.

He said Schanuel has a testicular contusion.

Sounds like a painful injury

In other words, he bruised his testicles with the foul ball.  The injury kept him out of the Angels lineup Sunday, but according to Washington, who chuckled at the injury, Schanuel's testicular contusion isn't going to land him on the injured list.

Schanuel might want to reconsider doing battle with pitchers without wearing a cup going forward.  He already wears an upper arm protector to the plate, but I'd argue the cup is protecting something far more sensitive and much more valuable.

They're not called the family jewels for no reason.  Hit the cold tub, take it easy for a few days, and, for the love of god, wear some protection where you actually need it.