Angels Lineup vs Astros: Zach Neto Out for Series Finale

Jun 21, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) present the fire helmet to catcher Logan O'Hoppe (14) after O'Hoppe hits a home run during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels will be without shortstop Zach Neto for Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros.

#Angels vs Astros with Zach Neto not in the lineup pic.twitter.com/KpWR6ZWHzz

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) June 22, 2025

Neto has played all of the Angels' last nine games, and will get a rest day in the series deciding game at the Big A. He is listed as an extra player, and is eligible to come in as a pinch hitter. The Angels have just one rest day before the All-Star break begins July 14.

Kevin Newman will fill in at shortstop in Neto's absence.

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The shortstop, along with Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, served as catalysts for a bench-clearing conflict in the series opener after the pitcher hit Neto for the second time in his career. Neto barked at Brown before the umpire held him back, but Brown took exception and walked towards the plate, causing the bench to empty.

The 24-year-old has been amazing for the Angels since his return from an injury which caused him to miss the first couple of weeks of the season, batting .267 with 10 home runs and 26 runs batted in. His .776 OPS is the third best on the active roster behind designated hitter Mike Trout and outfielder Jo Adell.Kevin Newman will fill in at shortstop in Neto's absence.

It will be his 11th game and eighth start at short this season, where he has committed just one error in 58 innings played.

The Angels narrowly lost the first game of the series in extra innings, but responded on Saturday with a commanding 9-1 victory in which Neto went 2-for-4 with two doubles and one run scored.

They look to close the gap on the division leading Astros, who they sit six and a half games behind. The Angels are two games out of an AL Wild Card spot and are searching for their first postseason berth since 2014.

For more Angels news, head over to Angels on SI.