Angels Make Zach Neto Decision After Leaving Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 2:58 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are just 2.5 games out of an AL Wild Card spot, and shortstop Zach Neto is a big reason why. The 24-year-old is having a career year, slashing .278/.321/.494 with 12 homers and 29 RBI over 61 games.

Neto is on pace to pass his career highs of 23 homers and 77 RBI over 155 contests last year. The 5-foot-11-inch, 185-pounder leads the Angels with 13 stolen bases and a 2.7 WAR.

However, Neto left in the ninth inning with a shoulder injury during Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Los Angeles announced a decision about his lineup status before Wednesday afternoon's rematch, via The Athletic's Sam Blum.

"Zach Neto (shoulder) is not playing today, but he’s listed as available," he reported. "He said he was getting an MRI today on his shoulder after re-injuring it yesterday on a slide."

The Angels won thanks to top prospect Christian Moore's walk-off homer in the 10th.

Zach Neto (shoulder) is not playing today, but he’s listed as available.

He said he was getting an MRI today on his shoulder after re-injuring it yesterday on a slide.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) June 25, 2025

Backup Kyren Paris replaced Neto on Tuesday, and fellow backup Scott Kingery will fill in at shortstop on Wednesday. The latter player, who's hitting .136, will hit ninth.

Southpaw pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (2-6, 3.06 ERA) will start for the Angels against Red Sox right-hander Richard Fitts (0-3, 4.71 ERA). After that game, Los Angeles will have a day off on Thursday before hosting the Washington Nationals.

Then, the club will hit the road to play the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays before returning home to face the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

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

More must-reads: