ANAHEIM Calif. — In what was a thrilling week of baseball, Angels shortstop Zach Neto was named the American League player of the week.
Neto’s heroics last week started with a solo homerun against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers last Monday and ended with him hitting a solo shot in extra innings to cap the final run in an 11-5 victory over the A’s on Sunday.
Neto went 8-5 last week, hitting .320 with 4 home runs, 8 RBIs and 1.254 OPS.
“Well deserved,” Angels manager Ray Montgomery said during Monday’s media availability. “Obviously we see it every day, but it’s nice when you can do something like that, that the national audience can latch onto.”
This season, Neto has emerged as one of the brightest young shortstops in baseball, leading the American League in home runs (21) and second in slugging percentage (.484). He also ranks among the top five for OPS (.811), and top ten for wRC+ (66), extra base hits (47), stolen bases (21), and average (.270).
Against the Dodgers last week, Neto had four hits with two homers, 4 RBIs, and scored 3 runs. His two homers happened on Monday. After his solo shot to start the game, he put an exclamation point with another solo shot in the sixth to give the Angels a 7-0 lead. On Wednesday, he hit a two-run RBI double towards left field to score Bryce Teodosio and Logan O’Hoppe to get the Angels back in the game, cutting a 5-2 deficit by one.
“He thrives when cameras are in front of him. Probably more than some,” Montgomery said. “But I think it’s a testimony to what he does. I mean the guy works every day tirelessly. He’s playing shortstop every day. He just enjoys it.”
Paige Creason – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Angels infielder Zach Neto (9) celebrates after hitting a home run during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday August 11th, 2025 at Angel’s Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
Victor Mederos to make second MLB Start
On Tuesday, Victor Mederos made his MLB debut as a starting pitcher against the Dodgers.
In that game, Mederos pitched four innings and gave up three hits and three runs with three strikeouts and three walks on three days of rest.
Paige Creason – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Angels right handed pitcher Victor Mederos (58) delivers a pitch during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday August 12th, 2025 at Angel’s Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
On Monday night, he gets to do it all over again with a full week’s rest against the Cincinnati Reds.
“He’s going to have a full tank,” Montgomery said. “Obviously the biggest thing is getting off to a good start. Setting the tone early. Hopefully, he’s able to do that and whatever he can give us beyond that would be greatly appreciated.”
“I expect him to be in a good spot. I think his stuff works good here.”
Injury Updates on Jorge Soler and Robert Stephenson
Today, Montgomery gave updates on both Jorge Soler and Robert Stephenson as the two are trying to return from the injured list.
Stephenson has made two outings in Triple-A Salt Lake and has pitched in two innings. In his first outing, he gave up two hits and two runs. In his last outing, he gave up zero hits and zero runs.
Montgomery provided an update on Stephenson today, who is working back from a right biceps injury. He said that he has been feeling good after his two minor league appearances.
“Came through healthy. Felt good throwing,” Montgomery said. “He’s in a good spot.”
While the Angels got good news on Stephenson, right now is the opposite with Soler.
Montgomery said that Soler will continue to get testing done after being placed on the injured list for lower back inflammation.
“Those things can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with that part of your body,” Montgomery said.
While Soler does not have a timetable for when he will return, Montgomery said he is staying optimistic that he will return at some point this season.