Angels News: LA's Rookie SS Shining on Defense, Interesting Bond with Nevin

The rookie infielder is already a fan-favorite?

How can you not love Zach Neto, Angels fans? To think that it was just a month ago when we were all staring at our phones in shock reading the news that our 2022 first-round pick was already being called up to play in the major leagues after just 40 games to his name in the minors.

He made his presence felt right away as he went batting near the bottom of the lineup to get his feet warm and then got thrown into the leadoff spot for a while. Through 30 games with the Halos, he has slashed .235,.301/.353 and already two homers to his name in his rookie season.

Neto has also proven to be tough as nails as he has taken numerous body shots from wild pitches like a champ and only wants to help out the team. However, his defensive plays at shortstop are what have caught the eyes of many as of late.

Second-ranked @Angels prospect Zach Neto covers 104 ft to haul in this grab! pic.twitter.com/6syFUCvCya

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 18, 2023

Zach Neto is a wizard pic.twitter.com/peqxEZDWj0

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 14, 2023

He has been making the most of his first season with LA and is proving to everyone that the front office did not make the wrong decision bringing him up so early.

Team manager Phil Nevin was one of Neto's earliest supporters and that has not changed, even with the Halos dropping some big games as of late. 

However, we learned that Neto actually hit the field with Nevin's son in the past while the LA manager was speaking highly of his SS.

Manager Phil Nevin talks Neto's defensive efforts as the Halos prepare for a 9:35am PST game tomorrow@Angels | #AngelsLive pic.twitter.com/tpJpcYtujH

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) May 18, 2023

"He's a heck of an athlete, he actually played on travel ball teams with my son when he was younger," said Nevin. "He works on it, he practices it. I thought on defense, he was put in some tough spots and he got out of them. The play Neto made, the pop-up over his shoulder might've been one of the better plays I've seen a shortstop make going back like that."

(Via Bally Sports West)

Let's hope Neto continues shine while LA racks up more wins!