TEMPE, Ariz. — Zach Neto isn't cleared to play yet due to offseason shoulder surgery on this throwing arm, but he's still keeping himself busy at Angels camp.
"I think when Neto does return, he's gonna be ready to play because he's been out here being involved in everything that's going on," manager Ron Washington said. "He's going to be in great shape when he comes back."
When he isn't throwing, Neto is still getting his work in on defense by fielding groundballs like everyone else is. He's been able to do just about every defensive drill that the rest of the team is doing, minus the throwing.
Neto's throwing program did not allow him to throw across the diamond until he reached 120 feet, which he finally accomplished this past week. Sunday morning was the first time Neto tried throwing the ball to first base. He threw two warm-ups before fielding five groundballs right at him and then throwing them to first base. Neto said his arm is feeling good and hasn't had any issues with throwing this spring, but there's still more he needs to accomplish before getting cleared.
Zach Neto threw to first base for the first time today.
— Jack Janes (@JackJanes_) March 16, 2025
He had seven total throws to first. pic.twitter.com/vWdhunpwqE
"As the days go on, I'll probably move around to the backhand, up the middle," Neto said. "These different things, that's probably the first check box that I need to check. Then probably backhands, maybe some cuts and relays and get a little farther throw."
This week is the first week that Neto will be throwing every day, but he is alternating the intensity of his throws. So, one day he'll throw longer and make throws across the diamond, and then the next day he'll keep the throwing light.
Neto is also alternating the intensity of his hitting, which lines up with his throwing program. On lighter throwing days, Neto takes batting practice on the field, and on heavier throwing days, he'll be taking swings in the cages. Neto said he also hasn't had any issues swinging the bat so far and Tuesday was his first day getting cleared to hit off the machine. The machine that he's hitting off of isn't high velocity, but a step up from regular batting practice as he continues to build strength.
Another thing that Neto is doing to stay sharp in the box is standing in on his teammates' bullpens and in some minor league games in the backfields so he can track pitches and work on his timing. Neto said there isn't a set threshold he needs to hit to be able to face live pitching, it's all about how he feels.
Although he's ahead of schedule, the Angels aren't going to rush the 24-year-old and risk any setbacks. He isn't going to be ready for Opening Day, but Neto is more than happy with where he's at in the recovery process.
"It's not as fatigued as I thought it was going to be," Neto said. "Honestly, I feel really great with my shoulder and where it's at. I'm feeling way stronger since when I first walked in here. I'm trusting our training staff and our coaches to get me in the right spot. I'm feeling great every day I walk in here."