After a historically bad home opener, the Los Angeles Angels came back to shut out the Seattle Mariners 1-0 on Saturday. Shortstop Zach Neto’s first-inning home run proved to be the only offense the Angels needed to win.
However, Neto’s home run was a secondary story in the game, as outfielder Jo Adell stole the show by robbing the Mariners of three potential home runs.
Adell would rob All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh in the first inning, All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor in the eighth inning, and Gold Glove shortstop J.P. Crawford in the ninth inning. Adell’s robbery of Crawford would cause him to flip over into the right field stands, but he would pop up and hold the caught ball over his head.
Jo Adell thought his “routes are on point” in the Angels’ win over the Mariners
Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
“That was crazy,” Adell said to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. “Just after the first one, we were pretty fired up out there. And then I got the second one, which looked identical to the first one. And I was like, ‘Wow, like my routes are on point tonight.’ The third one was just grit, just top of the ninth, getting it done.”
The 26-year-old went 1-3 in the game with a flyout to right field, a groundout to second base, and an infield single to shortstop.
Jo Adell’s bat has been quiet to start the season
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) talks to an assistant coach while waiting his turn to take batting practice before playing against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Despite showing Gold Glove caliber defense in right field, Adell’s bat has been cold to start the year. After hitting a career-high 37 home runs and 98 RBI last season, Adell has no home runs (33 at-bats) and two RBI. He also carries a .242 batting average and a .528 OPS through nine games.
Adell is also striking out at a high rate, having seven so far for a 20% strikeout percentage. Adell struck out a career-high 151 times last year and had 33 walks.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.