LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: Jansen Time

From Fletch ..

TEMPE, Ariz. — Zach Neto got some encouraging news on his shoulder, although he wouldn’t say exactly what it was. “I can’t say it,” Neto said with a smile Wednesday. “Everything is coming along very well. Ahead of schedule.”
The Angels’ shortstop underwent shoulder surgery in November, and the Angels have been protective of details about the exact nature of his surgery or when they expect him back.

For now, Angels fans can simply take comfort in the fact that Neto seems to be happy with how he’s recovering. Neto said he was cleared to hit off a tee last week. He hasn’t started throwing yet.
Neto was hurt in the final week of the regular season. He didn’t have the surgery for more than a month, though.
“I thought I was able to come back from it, hopefully avoiding surgery,” Neto said. “Everything felt pretty good until the last week. It started not feeling so great. I came to see a doctor in L.A., and we kind of both agreed to go into surgery, and get it done.”

General manager Perry Minasian echoed Neto’s enthusiasm over the most recent report on his rehab, calling it “great news.”
“He’s important a part of this team,” Minasian said. “We’re going to take it day to day with him, but he’s doing well. It’s nice to be 23 isn’t it? (Neto turned 24 two weeks ago.) You recover a little quicker. We’re excited where he’s at. That being said, we’re going to go through the process. We’re not going to rush him.”

The Angels have a few choices to play shortstop until Neto is ready, including Kevin Newman, Tim Anderson and Scott Kingery. Although Luis Rengifo has played shortstop, the Angels would prefer to use him at other positions.

TROUT’S POSITION
The Angels won’t make any definitive statements on their use of Mike Trout until after Trout arrives in camp. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday.
“We’re going to talk to him when he gets here,” Minasian said. “Obviously, we’ve had conversations over the course of the offseason, and we’ll figure that out.”
Trout has been hurt for most of three of the last four seasons, including two tears of his meniscus last season. There’s some thought that moving him from center field to a corner or to DH could help him stay healthy.
The Angels did not acquire another center fielder, though. If they decide to move Trout, that would leave Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak or Taylor Ward to get the starts in center field.

STEPHENSON UPDATE
Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, threw off a mound for the first time in his rehab Wednesday. Stephenson said he’s expecting six to eight weeks of throwing before facing hitters. He said his estimate of when he could return to the roster is around the middle of the season, but the Angels are hoping it will be sooner than that.
“It’s felt really good,” Stephenson said. “I’ve had zero issues throughout the whole process, and honestly it’s been a lot smoother than I expected it to be.”

NOTES
The Angels claimed right-hander Michael Peterson on waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and designated right-hander Kelvin Cacares for assignment. Peterson has a 5.95 ERA in 19⅔ major-league innings, with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks. …
Left-hander Victor Gonzalez will be delayed arriving in camp because of visa issues. …

Left-hander José Suarez looked noticeably slimmer on the first day of camp. He said he’d lost 10 pounds. …
Chili Davis is going to be in camp as a special instructor. Davis spent 19 years in the majors, including seven with the Angels. He has also been a major-league hitting coach. …
The Angels’ upgraded facilities in Tempe received rave reviews from players and staff members who saw what it was like before. They now have state-of-the-art technology, including force plates, for pitchers and hitters, along with an improved weight room, video room, dining room and clubhouse. “It was really cool seeing all the guys walk in who had been here in the past, and seeing their faces light up,” Minasian said.

https://www.ocregister.com/2025/02/12/angels-zach-neto-encouraged-by-progress-after-shoulder-surgery/