Washington says 'trust the process' with Kyren Paris; Neto update; Dana recalled

ANAHEIM, Calif.— Angel fans showed up to the ballpark early for the home opener to see Angels players and coaches walk the red carpet and interact with the fans.

One player who got one of the biggest ovations from the crowd was Kyren Paris; a spring training darling who has carried that momentum into a hot start to the season. 

The fans' enthusiasm to see Paris play in the home opener dwindled when manager Ron Washington said during a radio interview that Paris would not be in the lineup Friday.

"We want Paris" chants and boos erupted from the crowd at the announcement. 

Instead of getting Paris' hot bat in the lineup, Washington opted to play Jo Adell in center field and Kevin Newman at shortstop.

"This is Opening Day. Jo (Adell) came out of spring training as our center fielder," Washington said. "Kyren Paris will play. I’m not sitting on Kyren Paris, but don’t take Jo lightly either."

Adell suffered a minor hip injury during the opening series against the Chicago White Sox, but played in the team's last two games in St. Louis. 

Paris has started the season going 4 for 9 with a home run, three RBIs and three stolen bases. He has had three go-ahead hits already despite only starting in two games. 

Paris is an infielder by trade and has played most of his major league innings at second base or shortstop. Thus far this season, Washington has opted to play veteran infielders Newman and Tim Anderson at shortstop rather than Paris.

"He's an infielder trying to learn how to play the outfield so he's always an infield option. But will I pull Newman and them out of the infield? Not going to happen," Washington said. "They got more experience on the infield. Kyren is still growing. He's going to get his opportunity to play. We've played six games. Let the process work."

Newman has not yet reached base in nine plate appearances this season and Anderson is 1 for 11 in three games. 

NETO RAMPING UP

Zach Neto is making his first rehab start at shortstop Friday for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. 

Neto has played three games thus far during his rehab assignment from an offseason shoulder surgery and has been the designate hitter in each of them.

He will play five innings Friday and take it day-by-day depending on how he feels.

"He's checked all the boxes. This is right where he should be," Washington said. "He'll let us know (when he is ready) by the way he performs and how he recovers."

Washington has previously said that Neto's bat may be ready to return to the Angels, but he needs to build arm strength in the throwing arm before returning. Neto is 3 for 13 with a double and a home run thus far during his rehab assignment.

TOP PROSPECT DANA RECALLED

The Angels' top pitching prospect Caden Dana was recalled Friday to replace pitcher Ryan Johnson, who is going on the paternity list.

Johnson, who was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, has a 12.27 ERA in three games, but has pitched two scoreless innings since a disastrous major league debut where he allowed five runs. He is the first American League pitcher with a win and a save within his first three MLB games since Toronto's Roy Halladay in 1998-99.

Dana pitched well in his lone minor league appearance of the season thus far, allowing one run in four innings with three hits and four strikeouts. He was in line to start for Triple-A Salt Lake Friday. Dana made three major league starts for the Angels in 2024 and had a 9.58 ERA in 10.1 innings with eight strikeouts. 

WEAVER OPEN TO CONSULTING ROLE

Jered Weaver helped out Angels minor leaguers during instructional league in the fall and got a taste of the coaching experience.

Weaver said he is open to helping out the Angels in the future whenever asked.

“Whenever the phone rings and they want me to come help out, I’m more than happy to,” Weaver said. “I’ve got a lot of time on my hands, and baseball is all I know. So anytime I can help out or anything they need, I’m more than happy to come and help out."

Weaver said players mostly asked him about conditioning and about preparation in between starts. Although Weaver is open to being called upon when needed, he is not interested in a full-time role.

“I’m having too much fun being at home and being with my family, so to go out and venture out for 220 days a year would be kind of tough for me right now,” Weaver said.