MESA, Ariz. -- It was a big test for both right-hander Alek Manoah and shortstop Zach Neto in Tuesday night's 8-6 loss against the Cubs at Sloan Park.
But Manoah, competing for a spot in the rotation, had a rough outing, as he allowed seven runs on eight hits over four-plus innings, while Neto went 0-for-3 at the plate and played five innings at shortstop in his return from a minor left wrist sprain sustained on a headfirst slide into home on Saturday.
Manoah was hit hard and early, as he gave up three homers and three doubles. He also walked four batters, but did strike out five. His velocity was also notably down, as his sinker averaged 89.5 mph, which was 4 mph lower than his average from 2024 -- his last season in the Majors. But his changeup was effective, producing 10 swings and misses, including five in a row in the first and second innings.
“Just a grind for the most part,” Manoah said. “Made some pitches there when I needed to, but obviously the big swings kind of got me.”
Lefty Mitch Farris was originally scheduled to start against the Cubs, but the Angels wanted to see how Manoah would fare against a lineup full of regulars and a crowded environment, as he still competes for the final spot in the rotation.
“We wanted to see him pitch under the lights,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “We wanted to see him face a good lineup with that adrenaline pumping and a packed crowd.”
Manoah had a great start to his spring with two straight scoreless outings, but combined to allow nine runs over 6 1/3 innings in his next two starts against the Athletics and White Sox, which included seven walks.
This trend carried into his outing against the Cubs, as he especially struggled in the second inning, allowing a leadoff double and back-to-back homers. He was also visited by head athletic trainer Mike Frostad, pitching coach Mike Maddux and Suzuki in the fifth because of a fingernail issue, but remained in the game.
“The last couple have kind of just been a grind,” Manoah said. “But at the end of the day, when you go into a season, you don't take that ERA with you. Your Spring Training numbers don't matter. If I had a zero ERA right now, would they be giving me the Cy Young? No, right?”
Manoah signed to a one-year deal worth $1.95 million and came into camp with a leg up on the fifth starter role, but his struggles have caused others to remain in the competition, like Jack Kochanowicz, Ryan Johnson (Angels No. 7 prospect), George Klassen (No. 3) and Farris. Both Kochanowicz and Johnson start on Wednesday in split-squad action, with Kochanowicz starting at home against the Reds and Johnson starting against the Brewers in Maryvale.
COMPLETE ANGELS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Neto also wasn’t fully expected to play Tuesday, as he appeared more likely to return on Wednesday against the Reds at Tempe Diablo Stadium. But he took an impressive round of batting practice on Monday and told Suzuki he wanted to play in the night game.
“‘Did you see my BP?’ he told me,” Suzuki said. “I was going to give him another day to get some work in. Or have him play in a Minor League game. But he wanted to play in a big league game.”
Neto said he got through the game with no issues and was pleased that he’s fine and on track for Opening Day on March 26 in Houston.
“Back to normal,” Neto said. “It was good coming back out and playing painless. I should be back in there tomorrow.”