The Los Angeles Angels called up shortstop Zach Neto, their first-round pick from the 2022 draft, and sent David Fletcher to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.
Neto, 22, started Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox and batted eighth, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the 9-7 loss.
Neto is the first 2022 draft pick to debut in the majors -- after only 44 minor league games with Double-A Rocket City in which he hit .322/.408/.529 with three home runs in 27 at-bats this season. He's expected to take over at shortstop full-time.
He was the 13th selection in last year's draft. After signing, Neto, rated as the No. 84 prospect in all of baseball by ESPN entering this season, started at the Double-A level in 2022, hitting .320 in 122 at-bats.
NETO NATION RISE 🫡
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 15, 2023
The Angels have selected the contract of INF Zach Neto. pic.twitter.com/NrXUi0qcwY
Fletcher, who is making $6 million in his sixth season with the Angels, is hitting only .125 with 1 RBI through eight games.
In another roster move, the Angels moved right-hander Chris Rodriguez to the 60-day injured list.