Kurt Suzuki Reveals Why Zach Neto Missed Angels Game

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kurt Suzuki Reveals Why Zach Neto Missed Angels Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 10:02 AM ET

Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki gave Zach Neto a much-needed mental break during a recent game, choosing to keep his starting shortstop out of the lineup despite Neto wanting to appear as a pinch hitter.

Neto has endured an inconsistent 2026 season at the plate, batting .236 with 23 home runs, 65 RBI and 18 stolen bases through 132 games. The day off came as Suzuki looked to help the young infielder reset during the final stretch of the season.

The decision was first reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, who shared Suzuki’s explanation on X.

Suzuki said Neto wanted to PH, but he chose to give him a full day off.

“I think if you’ve played this game before, you understand when you need a blow, you need a blow this part of the season. We decided to give him a blow and that’s the way I want to look at it.”
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 30, 2026

According to Fletcher, Suzuki said Neto wanted to pinch hit, but the manager decided against it and gave him the entire day away from game action.

“I think if you’ve played this game before, you understand when you need a blow, you need a blow this part of the season,” Suzuki said. “We decided to give him a blow and that’s the way I want to look at it.”

The decision came during a difficult stretch for Neto, who entered the season after hitting .257 with 26 home runs, 62 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 128 games in 2025. His .750 OPS this year also sits below the .793 mark he posted last season.

Still, Neto has provided plenty of production for an Angels team sitting at the bottom of the American League West. His 23 homers are tied for his second-highest single-season total, while his 18 stolen bases remain a meaningful part of his offensive value.

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) ium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Neto has also shown flashes of his potential this season. He produced a career-high seven RBI on Aug. 20 against the Houston Astros and has continued to provide power from the shortstop position.

With Los Angeles well outside the division race, Suzuki’s decision reflects a broader focus on keeping one of the organization’s key young players fresh. Rather than forcing Neto into another at-bat, the Angels manager opted to give him the mental reset he believed he needed.

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

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