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Angels Call Up Zach Neto, Shock All of MLB

Julian Casciano / MLB / April 16, 2023

Angels Call Up Zach Neto, Shock All of MLB

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto has officially speedrun the minor leagues.

The Angels shocked the baseball world on Friday when they called up #2 prospect Neto from Double-A Rocket City. Yes, he skipped Triple-A. Neto, 22, becomes the first player to make his major league debut from the 2022 MLB Draft. He’ll be the starting shortstop for the club, as they sent down David Fletcher in a corresponding move. Neto started for the Angels on Saturday, going 0-4 with 2Ks. It’s very rare for a player, of any caliber or position, to fly through the minor leagues as fast as Neto did.

Maybe this is more of a reactionary move given Fletcher’s poor play. He has struggled mightily out of the gates, hitting .125 with just one run batted in.

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Shocking To Everyone

Neto was playing very well for Rocket City. The infielder hit for a .322/.408/.529 slash line with eight homers and 37 RBIs in 44 games in the Minors. On the young season, Neto continued his torrid pace, batting .444 with three homers and 10 RBIs in seven games. While these are good numbers, I am shocked that he jumped all the way up from that level, skipping Triple-A, given the small sample size. I’m not alone in the category of people who are surprised, that’s for sure.

The move was so surprising, even Neto himself had no idea he was this close to the major leagues.

“I honestly thought it was going to be a little later in the year, maybe like a September callup or right after the All-Star Game, depending on how the team was doing,” Neto said to the media before his first big league game.

“I’m excited to be here and to help the team win. And do whatever I can to keep this ballclub going up and push for a playoff spot.”

This is certainly a surprise move. Let’s see if Neto can provide a spark to the 7-7 Angels.

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