Angels Shortstop Zach Neto Begins Rehab Assignment in Triple-A Salt Lake City

Angels shortstop Zach Neto is set to kick off a rehabilitation stint in Triple-A Salt Lake City, as confirmed by MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger. Neto, who has been sidelined since early August due to a back injury, is poised for a potential comeback to the team, with a likely resumption of his everyday shortstop responsibilities in the near future.

The young infielder, who has showcased his talents in 67 games during his rookie season, has proven himself in the major leagues with a commendable performance. Displaying a batting average of .241, along with 30 RBIs and 8 home runs, Neto’s initial year in the big leagues has been nothing short of impressive. The recent update from Angels manager Phil Nevin indicated that Neto’s progress has been positive since his placement on the injured list. Neto has been actively engaged in various on-field activities, excluding hitting, although he has been working on his swings within an indoor batting cage.

A remarkable aspect of Neto’s journey is the speedy promotion he received from AA to the major leagues, having played just 44 minor league games. The Angels’ performance with Neto on the field stands at 38-29, underscoring his valuable contribution to the team’s success. However, the team’s record takes a noticeable dip to 20-31 in games without their 2022 first-round draft pick.

The Angels have encountered challenges regardless of Neto’s presence or absence. With a current record of 64-73, their aspirations for a postseason appearance have significantly diminished. Making it to the playoffs would require a considerable stumble from the leading teams, given the Angels’ current standing.

Looking ahead to the rest of the 2023 season, having Neto back on the field holds significance beyond the team’s performance. Evaluating the potential of this emerging star and providing him with more experience will serve as a positive aspect for the Angels. As they approach the offseason, marked by a range of critical decisions, having Neto as part of the equation offers a reassuring perspective for the team’s future endeavors.