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Zach Neto Expected To Hit Fifth Or Sixth
Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington said on Friday that he expects outfielder Mike Trout, designated hitter Jorge Soler and outfielder Taylor Ward being his top three hitters in some order during the 2025 regular season. It's also possible that one of the trio will bat in the cleanup spot. Shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder), meanwhile, is expected to hit fifth or sixth in the batting order. Neto had right-shoulder surgery last year and is expected to start the season on the injured list, but barring a setback, his absence shouldn't extend too long into April. The 24-year-old hit second late last season with Mike Trout (knee) out, but Trout is returning from injury and Soler will now occupy a spot near the top of the lineup, which will push Neto down. Neto loses a little fantasy appeal because of his injury, but he's still not a bad middle-infield target in the later rounds after he had a 20-30 campaign in his first full MLB season in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Blum
Source: The Athletic - Sam Blum
