- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,264,813
- Reaction score
- 59
The Los Angeles Angels moved shortstop Zach Neto from leadoff to cleanup Thursday, and are content with their decision after a few games.
Neto batted leadoff for the majority of the season, batting first for more than 100 games this year, but Wade Meckler replaced him. He had a solid start in the cleanup spot, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat in his new spot in the lineup, but hasn’t produced as well since.
He has just three hits so far since the move, posting a .556 OPS through four games. Despite that, manager Kurt Suzuki
“[Meckler] does a lot of good things with the bat in the leadoff spot and I just feel like the lineup flows better,” Suzuki said after Saturday’s game. “Neto’s going to have more opportunities to hit with runners in scoring position, so I think it flows really nice.”
Meckler has been solid since the move, likely contributing to the good feelings about the switch. He has five hits in the last four games, scoring three runs in the process.
Neto’s underperformance at the No. 4 spot isn’t something to worry over, though, as his numbers have shown he’s far better than what he’s shown so far. Neto has a .720 OPS on the year, boasting 20 homers and 51 RBIs through 115 games.
His 22 doubles lead the team, as do his 14 stolen bases this year.
Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) connects on a three-run home run during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The Angels, more than anything, are trying to figure things out at the moment, as they currently have the worst record in MLB after the Athletics’ series win in Boston this weekend. They traded loads of talent at the trade deadline this season, and their roster has changed a few times since.
With so much new personnel, the Angels are likely just moving things around to see what works best as they look to find their feet in the division once again. They’ve won two of their four games with Neto batting fourth, and while their offense hasn’t been quite as sharp, they clearly have confidence their experiment will work out.
They have the opportunity to gain ground on a division rival in their next series, which begins against the Texas Rangers at 6:38 p.m. PT on Monday.
The post Angels Confident in Zach Neto’s New Lineup Spot appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
Neto batted leadoff for the majority of the season, batting first for more than 100 games this year, but Wade Meckler replaced him. He had a solid start in the cleanup spot, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat in his new spot in the lineup, but hasn’t produced as well since.
He has just three hits so far since the move, posting a .556 OPS through four games. Despite that, manager Kurt Suzuki
“[Meckler] does a lot of good things with the bat in the leadoff spot and I just feel like the lineup flows better,” Suzuki said after Saturday’s game. “Neto’s going to have more opportunities to hit with runners in scoring position, so I think it flows really nice.”
Meckler has been solid since the move, likely contributing to the good feelings about the switch. He has five hits in the last four games, scoring three runs in the process.
Neto’s underperformance at the No. 4 spot isn’t something to worry over, though, as his numbers have shown he’s far better than what he’s shown so far. Neto has a .720 OPS on the year, boasting 20 homers and 51 RBIs through 115 games.
His 22 doubles lead the team, as do his 14 stolen bases this year.
You must be registered for see images attach
Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) connects on a three-run home run during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Why Did the Angels Move Zach Neto Down in the Lineup?
The Angels, more than anything, are trying to figure things out at the moment, as they currently have the worst record in MLB after the Athletics’ series win in Boston this weekend. They traded loads of talent at the trade deadline this season, and their roster has changed a few times since.
With so much new personnel, the Angels are likely just moving things around to see what works best as they look to find their feet in the division once again. They’ve won two of their four games with Neto batting fourth, and while their offense hasn’t been quite as sharp, they clearly have confidence their experiment will work out.
They have the opportunity to gain ground on a division rival in their next series, which begins against the Texas Rangers at 6:38 p.m. PT on Monday.
The post Angels Confident in Zach Neto’s New Lineup Spot appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
