MESA, Ariz. -- Angels shortstop Zach Neto avoided potentially major damage after injuring his left wrist while sliding headfirst into home plate on Saturday.
Neto, who led the Angels in wins above replacement in each of the last two seasons, said that tests revealed only a minor sprain in his wrist and that he’ll be able to return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday, although it appears more likely he'll play Wednesday against the Reds. Neto hit off a tee during early work on Monday and progressed to taking batting practice on a practice field before the game against the Athletics.
“I feel good, and it’s definitely a learning experience for me,” Neto said. “Don’t slide headfirst in Spring Training. Maybe get a bigger lead next time at first base. I caused this.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki admitted he was initially concerned because Neto looked to be in a lot of pain after the play at the plate. Neto previously injured his right shoulder when sliding headfirst into second base late in the 2024 season, which required surgery and caused him to miss the first 18 games last year.
Neto told Suzuki he’s ready to play and expressed interest in playing on Tuesday but seems more likely for the home game on Wednesday in split-squad action.
“I was shocked,” Suzuki said. “He came and said he was good. That was scary. But good news, for sure.”
Neto, 25, has had a solid spring, hitting .241/.333/.517 with a homer, five doubles, two stolen bases and five RBIs in 12 games. He batted .257/.319/.474 with 26 homers and 26 stolen bases in 128 games last year, posting 5.1 bWAR.
The last thing Neto wanted was to open the season on the injured list for a second straight year, so he was happy everything turned out OK.
“I definitely learned for sure,” Neto said. “I’m just thankful I dodged a bullet here. Just excited that it wasn’t anything crazy.”
Kikuchi returns from World Baseball Classic
Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was back at Angels camp on Monday after Team Japan was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic with their loss to Venezuela on Saturday. Kikuchi, 34, made two appearances (one start) and allowed three runs over four innings while striking out five.
He called it an honor to represent his country in the tournament for the first time and met with the coaching staff on Monday to discuss when he’ll pitch in his next Cactus League game. He was the club’s Opening Day starter last year, but doesn’t seem likely to reprise the role this season.
“In preparation for this, I started my prep work early, and I've been able to hit 97-98 mph with my velocity,” Kikuchi said through interpreter Grace McNamee. “And today I met with the coaches and staff to discuss the plan. I’m not sure if I’m the one to say when, but I know what date I'm going to start when the season opens, so I'm just going to work my way backwards and create a plan.”
Angels tidbits
• Outfielder Josh Lowe is nearing a return to the outfield for the first time since injuring his left oblique on a throw on Feb. 25. He served as designated hitter on Saturday and participated in full outfield drills on Sunday to get ready for a return to left field in the coming days.
• The Angels have lefty Mitch Farris scheduled to start against the Cubs on Tuesday night, but could start right-hander Alek Manoah instead. Manoah is currently scheduled to throw in a Minor League game, but the Angels want to see more of him in Cactus League action as he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation.
• Veteran relievers Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano threw in a Minor League game on Monday, while lefty Reid Detmers and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn are scheduled to pitch in one on Tuesday.