Angels News: Zach Neto Working Through Lower Back Issue

The rookie will hopefully only be out for a couple of days.

Add Zach Neto's name to the growing list of Angels dealing with injuries as the season enters its dog days with the haunting Aug. 1 trade deadline creeping up.

Neto was a late scratch for Saturday's game against the Pirates due to lower back tightness. Neto reportedly experienced back discomfort late in Friday's game against Pittsburgh and the Angels' staff decided to hold him out Saturday.

While it was reported that the club was considering starting Neto Sunday, he did not play and, with Monday being an off day for the team, will likely not return to the field until Tuesday.

"We were doing some work on him with our doctors and chiropractors and it was tightening up even more," said Angels manager Phil Nevin.

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

Neto also missed nearly a month earlier in the season with a left oblique strain. The rookie is having a solid season, batting .252 with 8 home runs and 27 runs batted in.

The 2022 13th overall pick played at Campbell University and has the potential to be a solid starter for the Angels.

Andrew Velazquez has taken over for Neto in the infield and has failed to record a hit or walk in his three at-bats since Neto's departure.

As the Angels fight for a valid reason to keep star Shohei Ohtani and other potential trade pieces, winning as many games as possible leading up to the trade deadline is vital. Neto's presence at the plate is important as the Angels are already missing key offensive weapons.

The Angels will begin a nine game, three city road trip starting on Tuesday in Detroit.