Angels News: Shortstop Zach Neto Scratched From Tuesday’s Lineup With Lingering Injury

The Los Angeles Angels will try to continue their winning ways when they take on the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, but they'll have to do it with a key rookie absent from the lineup.

Angels infielder Zach Neto was scratched from the starting nine in the lead up to the series opener. He was scheduled to return on Tuesday after dealing with lingering back tightness over the past few days.

As for the reasoning behind his removal, it doesn't look like there's any cause for concern, as Angels manager Phil Nevin relayed to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register that the rationale was simply to give Neto one more day off.

Nevin said it was his decision to give Neto one more day off to be safe. He said he’d be surprised if he doesn’t play tomorrow.

Also, they will talk today about whether Drury needs some minor league ABs.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 25, 2023

The Angels rookie seemed frustrated by the development, but understood his manager's decision making.

Neto said he wanted to play today: “I I’m a little frustrated. I thought I was going to be able to play today. Gotta listen to Skip. He though I needed an extra day… I felt like I was as close to 100% as I had been.”
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 25, 2023

Despite that decision, Neto is expected to play on Wednesday, in what should be a boost for the Angels lineup.

The 22-year-old is off to a solid start in his MLB career, as he's hitting .252 with eight home runs and 27 RBI this season after quickly moving up the Angels' minor league system since being drafted just over 12 months ago.

He's expected to be a key piece for the Angels future, and as for this season, he should be productive again for a Halos team that's trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

As of pregame on Tuesday, the Angels sit just four games out in the race for the last American League wild card spot.