Angels Announce Zach Neto News After Leaving Reds Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 11:37 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have fallen out of postseason contention entering Wednesday with a 60–66 record, sitting seven games out of a wild card spot.

With a decade-long playoff drought on track to be extended to eleven seasons, the Angels have some long-term pieces in place to break the drought—including shortstop Zach Neto.

Neto debuted for the Angels just one year after the organization selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.

The 24-year-old has steadily improved each season in the big leagues since making his debut in 2023, and he’s posted career highs in batting average (.269), on-base percentage (.325), and OPS (.809) in 2025.

Zach Neto Injury Update

During Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, Neto was removed from the contest early in the top of the sixth inning, with backup shortstop Oswald Peraza taking his spot on the field. He had suffered a hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the third inning and was unable to play through it.

Moments later, the Angels provided an update on his status on X, writing: “Zach Neto was removed from tonight's game due to left wrist soreness.”

Zach Neto was removed from tonight's game due to left wrist soreness.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 21, 2025

Neto’s Breakout Year Interrupted as Angels Prioritize Long-Term Health

This comes at a disappointing time for Los Angeles, who had been hoping to see Neto finish out a second full season with the team.

Neto has been one of the young bright spots keeping the team afloat with his multi-tool abilities, smashing 21 home runs and driving in 54 RBIs, along with excellent defense and 22 stolen bases.

Despite his status as an emerging star, the team ultimately must decide to play it safe, given that Neto figures to be a face of the franchise for the near future—receiving a passing of the torch from aging veteran Mike Trout. Neto will remain under team control with the Angels through the 2029 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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