Zach Neto exited the game early on Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros. The young shortstop made a high throw to first base in the fifth inning and immediately left, but said the injury first stemmed from a throw to home plate earlier in that inning. The Angels said Neto would undergo testing.
As of Friday morning, the Angels do not have a formal update on Neto’s injury. However, given that it’s an elbow issue, it would be surprising to see him so quickly back in the lineup. The Angels have had a habit of downplaying injuries at first glance for them to ultimately sideline players for much longer than expected.
This could especially be the case with Neto as he felt some concern after being removed from the game. He spoke about what he felt and what the Angels told him in the aftermath of the injury, according to MLB.com:
“I had problems with my elbow growing up, which is a little concerning,” Neto said. “But I trust what the training staff has for me, and they say it’s not too concerning. So I’m in a good spot.”
Of course, until tests are run and the Angels make a formal announcement, Neto just has to hope that he can return to play as soon as possible. He had been playing some better baseball as of late after a slower start to the 2024 campaign.
In Neto’s first 21 games, he slashed .167/.241/.208 with a .449 OPS and 25 strikeouts in 79 plate appearances. However, he has drastically turned things around since April 21. In his last 28 games — 103 plate appearances — he is slashing .309/.350/.577 with a .927 OPS. He has had 14 extra-base hits, including six home runs and eight doubles.
As a cornerstone piece of the franchise, the Angels would love for Neto to not miss significant time. But only time will tell exactly what injury and the severity that he suffered on Wednesday against the Astros.
Angels vs. Guardians probables
The Angels host the Cleveland Guardians with a chance to win their third consecutive series and having won five of their last seven games. Here are the probable starters for the three-game holiday weekend set.
Game 1: Friday, May 24, 6:38 p.m. PT
Patrick Sandoval vs. Logan Allen
Game 2: Saturday, May 25, 6:38 p.m. PT
Jose Soriano vs. Tanner Bibee
Game 3: Sunday, May 26, 1:07 p.m. PT
Reid Detmers vs. Ben Lively
