Angels Make Massive Announcement Regarding Zach Neto’s Return From Injury

Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) runs to first base on a bases-clearing double during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels revealed some exciting news regarding their shortstop on Tuesday.

Zach Neto is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A Salt Lake Tuesday night, per the Angels PR account on X.

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INF Zach Neto is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A @SaltLakeBees tonight.

— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) April 1, 2025

Neto has been recovering from a November surgery on his right shoulder that he injured in a late September game last season while sliding into second base.

In 2024, Neto slashed .249/.318/.443 with 23 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases over the 155 games he played. His 5.1 WAR was by far the best on the Halos last year with catcher Logan O'Hoppe in second place with 2.7 wins above replacement.

In the Neto-sized hole in the infield, newly-acquired veterans Tim Anderson and Kevin Newman have been getting reps in at shortstop. Manager Ron Washington said to reporters Sunday evening that it might just be that way until the 24-year-old returns.

"When I think Newman needs to be out there, he’ll be out there," said Washington. "When I think it’s time for T.A. to be out there, he’ll be out there.”

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Toward the beginning of spring, Washington remarked on the tenacity of Neto's nature and how the only thing keeping him off the field was medical protocols for his recovery.

“He’s an animal,” Washington said to the media. “I think if we decided to let him play right now, he’ll go out there and try to play. That’s who he is. So we’ve just got to keep our eye on him and keep monitoring him.

"Everybody here has heard he’s ahead of schedule, but we have to keep his mind on schedule.”

Neto will begin this major step in his recovery Tuesday evening with the Salt Lake Bees as fans are that much closer to seeing their shortstop back on the field.

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