Los Angeles Angels' rising star Zach Neto dodged a bullet, recovering from a scary home-plate dive with just a minor wrist sprain.
Fans of the Los Angeles Angels don’t have tons to look forward to in the grand scheme of the 2026 season, coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 90 losses and last-place finishes in the American League West.
What they do have, however, is the opportunity to watch one of baseball’s rising stars play for their favorite team. Shortstop Zach Neto has become a fan favorite ever since making his major league debut in 2023. At 25 years old, Neto has suddenly established himself as the most productive player on the Halos’ roster.
Being a rare bright spot on an Angels club with not too many to go around, Neto is looking to have yet another great season in 2026, where he improves his numbers in each major category like he’s done over his first three years. There’s no doubt he can continue to boost his numbers – as long as he’s on the field.
There was a bit of a scare among Angels fans over the weekend, as they watched their star shortstop injure his wrist in a diving play at home plate in a game against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.
It was a typical play from Neto – running full force from first base to try to score on a ball hit into the corner of the outfield. As soon as he dove for home, however, it was clear there was some discomfort for the former first-round pick. In Neto fashion, however, he popped up and headed to the dugout, trying to power through the pain.
After the game, Neto was spotted wearing a brace on his left wrist, a concerning sight less than a couple of weeks out from Opening Day. Luckily, however, Neto confirmed that the injury is only a small sprain and he should be back in the lineup at some point later this week.
It’s a huge sigh of relief for Angels fans as they cannot afford to lose their star infielder before Opening Day. With a big season on the line to prove his value in a league where he may be overshadowed due to his spot on a poor Angels’ team, starting the year healthy is a big must for Neto.
Neto missed some time at the end of last season due to a left-hand strain, finishing the year with 128 games played. Despite playing in 27 fewer games than in 2024, Neto finished with more runs, home runs, and the same 5.1 WAR from the year prior.
There’s no doubt a breakout season is in store for the Halos’ star shortstop, and only an injury could take that out of the equation. Luckily, Neto’s wrist injury is minor in nature and won’t be anywhere near enough to stop the 25-year-old’s determination in 2026.