Angels News: SS Zach Neto 'Hopeful' He Returns Shortly After All Star Break

Let's hope he can come back soon!

Angels shortstop Zach Neto provided an update on his status to return. He is hopeful that he can make his return to the field shortly after the All-Star break. Neto has been out on the injured list since June 15 after suffering a left oblique strain.

Neto said he’s “hopeful” that he can be ready just after the All-Star break, “if everything goes well.”

He’s also going to hit off a tee today.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 3, 2023

Neto was called up in April as one of the team's top prospects and he didn't disappoint. Prior to the injury, Neto was a solid contributor for the Angels as he hit .259 with six home runs and 22 runs batted in 55 games played this season. Losing him was a blow to this roster and the team started to decline in play after the injury.

“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.”

Both the Angels and Neto are hopeful that he can return soon as the team has just been decimated with injuries of late. If they can get their shortstop back, it could provide a nice boost to this team as they prepare to possibly make a playoff run.

“I feel good,” Neto said. “It’s just a matter of getting it out of my head. My body feels good. I’m a little scared. I don’t want to get hurt again. But after a couple swings, after a couple of throws, I get back into competitive mode. It’s normal. So I just need to start feeling like that more.”

The Angels are in the thick of things for a possible playoff spot but did suffer a major injury this week with star outfielder Mike Trout fracturing his left hamate. Trout is scheduled to miss multiple weeks so if anything, if Neto is able to come back soon, it could provide some spark to this team.