Angels of Los AngelesZach Neto, a rookie infielder, has been playing in the majors for a while now.
Even though he was drafted in 2022, the Angels unexpectedly called him up this year after a brief yet strong minor league career.
He has discovered major league pitchers to be much difficult to hit, as was predicted, and as of Wednesday afternoon, he had a.244/.330/.333 line.
On Tuesday night, though, he smashed his first professional home run—and it was even against the Houston Astros.
In reality, he hit a home run off of Framber Valdez, who had pitched eight innings of one-run ball (the Neto home run) and struck out 12 batters overall.
The ball was caught by a fan, who kept it, although the youngster was open to trading it.
Everyone was glad to return home after the fan’s joyful yes.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Angels rookie Zach Neto gave the fan who caught his first home run ball a signed bat and ball outside the Astros clubhouse.
Happening outside the Astros clubhouse: Angels rookie Zach Neto gave the fan who caught his first home run ball a signed bat and ball. pic.twitter.com/CopRQOoxAp
Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 10, 2023
Keeping milestone objects, in this example the ball from his first home run, has a unique significance for first-year athletes.
Given Neto’s exceptional hitting ability, it is most likely the first of many to come.
In the first seven games and 34 plate appearances of this year, he hit.444/.559/.815 with three home runs and three steals.
He has had some difficulty playing in the Major Leagues, but that was to be expected given that he came up from Double-A.
He is a very talented player, and the Angels are hoping he can soon start producing at the plate.
The home run against Valdez is unquestionably a strong beginning.
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