Angels shortstop Zach Neto begins playing the field on rehab assignment
ANAHEIM — There is a clear light at the end of the tunnel for Zach Neto now.
Neto was in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake at shortstop, scheduled to play five innings, on Friday. That’s the last test for Neto, although it’s still unclear how long that test will take.
When asked how many games Neto would need to play shortstop before he can come up, Angels general manager Perry Minasian said: “No clue. Day to day. We’ll see how he feels when he comes out of (Friday).”
Neto had shoulder surgery in November, so the big question is his throwing. He has to be able to make every type of throw the game could present – spinning throws, throws from the hole, long throws on relays, etc. The number of games he plays at shortstop in Triple-A will in large part be determined by how many of those tests the games present.
“This is right where he should be,” Manager Ron Washington said. “So we’ll just see how it goes in real time. I think anybody standing up here can go out there when it’s under control and do the things that you have to do. But now he’s gonna get an opportunity in real time.”
Neto has been hitting against live pitching for more than a week. He hit in minor-league spring training games and then began DH-ing at Triple-A on Tuesday. Neto was 3 for 13 with a home run and a double in his first three games.
PARIS OUT?
Kyren Paris was not in the lineup for the third consecutive game on Friday, which prompted the daily round of questions for Washington about why he’s not starting.
Paris is 4 for 9, but three of his hits have either tied games or given the Angels the lead so far.
Paris is a natural infielder, but he’s currently on the roster as a center fielder. Jo Adell has started in center field the last three games. Adell was hurt for two games, which opened the door for Paris to get just enough playing time for people to be clamoring to see more.
“I’ll figure it out as we move forward,” Washington said. “Match up had nothing to do with it. This is Opening Day. Jo came out of spring training as our center fielder. I keep telling you guys, Kyren Paris will play. I am not sitting on Kyren Paris, but don’t take Jo light either.”
Washington has also clearly suggested that he values the defensive experience of Kevin Newman and Tim Anderson enough to prefer them in the middle infield instead of Paris.
“They’ve got more experience on the infield,” Washington said. “The game out there is about making decisions. Kyren is still growing. He’s going to get his opportunity to play. He’s going to get his opportunity to play. We played six games. Let the process work.”
WEAVER’S ROLE
Longtime Angels ace Jered Weaver, who dipped his toe into the world of coaching by helping out with Angels minor leaguers during instructional league in the fall, said he’s happy to entertain offers for similar roles.
“Whenever the phone rings and they want me to come help out, I’m more than happy to,” said Weaver, who was at the ballpark to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Chuck Finley on Friday. “I’ve got a lot of time on my hands, and baseball is all I know. So anytime I can help out or anything they need, I’m more than happy to come and help out. It was fun. Had a good time.”
Weaver said he’s not ready for a more full-time role with the team, though. He has three kids who are 12 or younger.
“I’m having too much fun being at home and being with my family, so to go out and venture out for 220 days a year would be kind of tough for me right now,” Weaver said. “I don’t think the wife would like that either. She likes me being able to take the kids to school and stuff.”
NOTES
Right-hander Caden Dana was recalled to take the spot of right-hander Ryan Johnson, who was placed on the paternity list. The paternity list allows a player to be out up to three games. …
The Angels still don’t have a diagnosis on right-hander Hans Crouse who came out of Thursday’s Triple-A game with an injury, Minasian said. …
Right-hander Sam Bachman, who is on the injured list because of thoracic outlet syndrome, has resumed throwing.
UP NEXT
Guardians (RHP Tanner Bibee, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) at Angels (RHP Jack Kochanowicz, 0-0, 3.00 ERA), Saturday, 6:38 p.m., FDSN West, 830 AM