Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto will make his season debut on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants after being activated from the 10-day injured list.
Neto injured his shoulder last season on Sept. 26 while sliding during a game against the Chicago White Sox. He underwent shoulder surgery in early November.
“It’s probably the closest thing to my debut and getting that call, just coming here and just kind of where it all started again,” Neto told reporters before Friday’s game. “You know I’m excited to be back and get to work with the guys again.”
The Angels determined Neto was ready after he played in back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday at Triple-A Salt Lake. He is batting seventh in Friday’s lineup.
“He’s been fine,” Angels manager Ron Washington said before Friday’s game. “Got hit yesterday on the wrist, but he’s fine. So far, so good. He’s on track to be where he should be.”
Neto led the Angels with 77 RBIs and 30 steals last season and was second with 23 homers and 70 runs while playing 155 games. He was easily the team’s best player with a 5.1 Wins Above Replacement, significantly higher than left-hander Tyler Anderson (3.0) and the No. 2 offensive player, Logan O’Hoppe (2.7).
The 24-year-old was the 13th overall pick in the 2022 draft and the first player from that class to reach the majors when he was recalled in April 2023.
The Angels are certainly glad to have Neto back. Fill-ins Tim Anderson (.171) and Kevin Newman (.136) are faring poorly.
Also, infielder Nicky Lopez (0-for-6) was designated for assignment. Lopez, 30, is a career .247 hitter with four teams, most notably the Kansas City Royals from 2019-23.
