Angels News: Defense 'Deciding Factor' in David Fletcher's Lack of Play

A bit of a diss from the manager?

The return of David Fletcher hasn't been great for the Angels so far. Between a rock and hard place through injury after injury, Fletcher was called up after spending the better part of two months down at Triple-A Salt Lake. 

He started 9 consecutive games after getting recalled before suddenly finding himself on the bench for the final 4 games of the first half while journeyman infielder Andrew Velazquez got the starts at shortstop.

Angels manager Phil Nevin explained the reason why before the break.

“I just like the way Squid [Velazquez] is playing defense. He’s putting the ball in play, doing everything we’re asking as far as bunting. The defense has been the deciding factor."

Fletcher has never been known as a gifted defender at the big league level but shortstop certainly seemed to be a bit of a stretch, despite 146 career games at the position. The majority of his big league games have come as a second baseman.

Ultimately, the Angels are waiting for breakout rookie shortstop Zach Neto to return from the injured list shortly after the All-Star break. He's been sidelined with an oblique.

“Right after the break, we’re hopeful that I should be back, but that’s if everything goes well,” Neto said. “I’m just crossing my fingers and just hoping to feel good every day.”

There's no saying what the Angels' plan is with Fletcher after the return of Neto. The Halos return to action on Friday at home.