Zach Neto Breaks Out of Slump, Reignites Angels’ Hopes with Walk-Off Heroics
ANAHEIM — In a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Angels, shortstop Zach Neto silenced his critics and reignited his career with a walk-off home run that not only ended a six-game losing streak but also marked a turning point in his season. The 25-year-old, who had struggled with a .225/.338/.414 batting line and a league-leading eight errors in 49 games, credited his resurgence to a shift in mindset and the unwavering support of his teammates.
A Mindset Shift: “Not Beating Myself Up”
When asked about the catalyst for his breakout, Neto emphasized a simple yet profound philosophy: “Not beating myself up.” The former Wins Above Replacement leader acknowledged the pressure he felt to perform after two consecutive strong seasons, admitting, “I was trying too much, which caused me to play the way I was playing.” His candid approach to self-criticism has since become a cornerstone of his recovery.
“I just focus on what I need to do and that’s not beating myself up every single day, whether the day goes great or bad for me,” Neto explained. “I’m exceptionally thankful for [my teammates] to be open ears. If I need to vent, they are there for me, and it’s because they know I’ll be there for them.”
Manager’s Perspective: A Return to Confidence
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki has noticed a tangible change in Neto’s demeanor, both on and off the field. “The confidence is back,” Suzuki said. “It’s not just in the games. It’s the little things like doing his early work and at batting practice. Even on mound visits, he’s pumping up [catcher] Logan O’Hoppe, saying, ‘Hey, be a wall back there. We got this.’”
Suzuki attributed Neto’s transformation to a newfound ability to compartmentalize his performance. “Sometimes you’ve got to take a step back before you come forward,” he added. “And I think Net’s been doing a great job with that.”
The Walk-Off Moment: A Spark for the Team
Neto’s resurgence reached its climax on Monday when he delivered a walk-off home run to break up a no-hitter by J.T. Ginn, energizing an Angels offense that had scored two runs or fewer in seven straight games. The blast came after a speech from his teammates, which Neto described as a “spark” for the squad.
“I’m still swaggy,” Neto said with a grin. “I’m still that confident person that I am every single day, and I wanted to get back to that and joke around with everybody.”
Challenges Remain: Balancing Offense and Defense
Despite his recent success, Neto remains aware of areas needing improvement. His 69 strikeouts in 225 plate appearances and eight fielding errors underscore the work ahead. “I get told all the time that I’m kind of like the spark plug that gets everybody going,” he said. “But it’s the mistakes I need to clear up.”
The Angels, who have lost 22 of their last 28 games, are counting on Neto to maintain his momentum. His ability to blend resilience with humility has made him a pivotal figure in the clubhouse, even as he navigates the pressures of a high-stakes season.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Consistency
As the Angels seek to reverse their fortunes, Neto’s journey serves as a microcosm of the team’s broader challenge: balancing short-term results with long-term development. For now, the focus remains on sustaining the confidence he’s rediscovered.
“It’s just one of those things where it just takes one swing to get back into the mix of things,” Neto said. “And I’m just happy to be back to my usual self.”
Source: Rhett Bollinger’s Angels Beat newsletter