Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) makes the play against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
The Los Angeles Angels nearly lost star shortstop Zach Neto to injury just before Opening Day of the 2026 season. Neto slid headfirst into home plate during Saturday’s game against the Seattle Mariners and injured his left wrist.
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This was eerily similar to when Neto slid headfirst into second base towards the end of the 2024 season. He injured his shoulder, which required surgery in the offseason and sidelined him for the first 18 games of the 2025 season.
Fortunately for the Angels and Neto, tests revealed the 25-year-old only suffered a minor sprain in his left wrist. He could return to the Angels’ lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs or Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to MLB’s Rhett Bollinger.
“I feel good, and it’s definitely a learning experience for me,” Neto said, per Bollinger. “Don’t slide headfirst in Spring Training. Maybe get a bigger lead next time at first base. I caused this.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told reporters he was surprised to learn that Neto is be able to return so quickly.
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“I was shocked,” Suzuki said. “He came and said he was good. That was scary. But good news, for sure.”
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) makes the play against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Neto Wants to Stay Healthy For the Entire 2026 Season
Neto is going into the fourth season of his career with the Angels in 2026. One of his goals is to remain healthy all season long after missing 18 games at the beginning and 15 games at the end of the 2025 season.
Despite missing multiple games with injuries, Neto hit a career-high 26 home runs in 128 games last season. The season prior in 2024, he recorded a career-high 30 stolen bases in a career-high 155 games. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Neto could complete the first 30-30 season of his career.
Neto has also never earned an All-Star selection but staying healthy would certainly help him get there.
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images