MESA, Ariz. — Shortstop Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels faces a delayed start to the season as he continues to recuperate from surgery on his right shoulder. Angels manager Ron Washington announced before the team’s spring training session against the Chicago Cubs that Neto is expected to begin the season on the injured list. This development follows November’s surgery and aligns with expectations surrounding his recovery timeline. Washington remains optimistic that Neto will make his return sometime in April.
Drafted in the first round of 2022, Neto was one of the standout performers in what was otherwise a challenging 2024 campaign for the Angels, who recorded a dismal franchise record of 63-99. At 24 years old, Neto made significant contributions as a regular player, achieving a .249 batting average with 23 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 77 RBIs over 155 games, while also providing robust defensive plays. Neto sustained the shoulder injury during a game on September 26 and despite initial efforts to treat the injury through rest, surgery became necessary after it failed to heal.
