Angels' Neto Avoids Serious Injury After Spring Training Scare

Young shortstop expected to miss just a few days after suffering small wrist sprain

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, a rising star, suffered an apparent hand injury during a recent spring training game against the Seattle Mariners. However, the team received good news on Monday, as Neto has been diagnosed with a small sprain of his left wrist and is expected to miss just a few days of action.

Why it matters

Neto has emerged as a key part of the Angels' future, establishing himself as a 20-20 player over the past two seasons. Any significant injury to Neto would have been a major blow to the Angels' hopes of ending their 12-year playoff drought in 2026.

The details

Neto suffered the injury on a head-first slide during Saturday's game against the Mariners. On Monday, he was able to hit off a tee and is expected to take batting practice on the field later in the day. The team has described the injury as a small wrist sprain, and Neto himself expects to miss just a few days of action.

  • Neto suffered the injury on Saturday, March 16, 2026 during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners.
  • On Monday, March 18, 2026, the Angels provided an update on Neto's status.

The players

Zach Neto

A rising star shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels who has established himself as a 20-20 player over the past two seasons.

Jeff Fletcher

A reporter for the SoCal News Group who provided the update on Neto's injury status.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zach Neto hit some balls off a tee today and he said he's going to take BP on the field later. Says he's feeling good.”

— Jeff Fletcher, Reporter (SoCal News Group)

What’s next

The Angels are set to begin their regular season later this month with a road series against the Houston Astros. Neto is expected to be ready to go for the start of the season after missing just a few days due to the minor wrist sprain.

The takeaway

This injury scare for Zach Neto serves as a reminder of the fragility of baseball careers and the importance of depth for teams like the Angels, who are hoping to end their long playoff drought in 2026. The fact that Neto's injury appears to be minor is a relief for an Angels franchise that has dealt with its fair share of injuries to key players in recent years.