The Los Angeles Angels are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014 this year. While Mike Trout and the history-making Shohei Ohtani deservedly get the praise, rookie shortstop Zach Neto has been integrally-involved in the Angels success this year as well.
The 2022 draft pick was the first player from that class to debut in the big leagues and has hit .257 with five home runs and 20 RBI. He had his first multi-home run game this past Sunday against the Seattle Mariners.
While the bat is impressive, he's also making an impact defensively. Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
this Zach Neto throw was 94.3 mph
that’s the fastest tracked infield assist in MLB this season
AND the fastest tracked inf assist by an Angel under Statcast (2015)
Neto's impact is certainly far-ranging for the 'Halos. In addition to some power and the throwing arm, he's added five stolen bases.
The Angels are currently 37-31 and in third place in the American League West. They trail the first-place Texas Rangers by 5.5 games and they trail the second-place Houston Astros by one game. The Angels have won seven of their last 10 games.
The Angels will have game two of their series with the Rangers on Tuesday night. First pitch from Globe Life Field will be at 8:05 p.m. ET as Jaime Barria pitches for the Angels and Cody Bradford goes for Texas.
The Angels won on Monday in extra innings by a score of 9-6. Texas is now 41-24 on the season.
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