On February 27, both the Angels and Cubs provided updates on their injured star infielders. Los Angeles (AL) confirmed Zach Neto will be unavailable for Opening Day. The Cubs, meanwhile, will keep Nico Hoerner off their roster for the Tokyo Series to give him more time to prepare for the 2025 campaign.
Zach Neto will miss the start of 2025, per the team, as he still recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
The team did hint Neto wouldn’t miss too much time, which somewhat correlates with what Neto and general manager Perry Minasian said earlier this month. The team was encouraged by his recovery and Neto himself said he felt fine physically.
With the 24-year-old out, it opens the door for Kevin Newman or Tim Anderson to fill in. Newman is already on the 40-man roster, while Anderson is a non-roster invite.
Luis Rengifo, who has played shortstop in the past, could be another option. However, Ron Washington said earlier in the spring that Rengifo will focus on working at second & third during camp.
For fantasy owners, the news is good. Those who picked Neto — who we rated as the 45th-best player in fantasy this season but will slide down in the upcoming update because of this news — can take solace in the face he won’t be out long. For individuals who haven’t drafted yet, slide him down. But given the positive news, Neto should still be a top-100 player.
He was in 2024. Neto hit 23 home runs and stole 30 bases for the Angels.
Another notable middle infielder, Nico Hoerner, is also scheduled to miss Opening Day in Tokyo. Hoerner remains limited thanks to flexor tendon surgery he had this past winter.
Manager Craig Counsell said that Hoerner is progressing well and could be ready for the team’s first games in North America.
In other injury-related news, Gunnar Henderson left the Orioles’ game thanks to lower right side discomfort. However, it was described as a precautionary move, per Brandon Hyde.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, Andrew Benintendi will miss at least the next four to six weeks thanks to a non-displayed fracture in his right hand. It was sustained after a hit by pitch.
Benintendi will miss the remainder of the spring.