ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Just before game two of three against the Washington Nationals, two key players on the roster provided some positive updates on the status of their health and the Angels part way with a veteran arm.
Status Update on Jorge Soler
The Angels outfielder was placed on the 10-day injured list back on June 20 with inflammation in his lower back, which was in the midst of a struggling month of June as he went 5-42 and an OPS of .315.
Soler shook off the rust in the pregame Saturday as he took batting practice for the first time, and has been able to do other baseball activities, such as fielding and running.
Regarding his return to the field, Soler firmly said, "Possibly soon."
Angels outfielder Jorge Soler, who was placed on the 10-day IL with lower back inflammation some time ago, took batting practice for the first time since the announcement and felt “good” coming out of it.
— Adrian Medina (@AdrianMedina_16) June 28, 2025
In regards to his potential return ?
“Possibly soon.” @SportingTrib
Zach Neto Hopeful to Return to Lineup Soon
Neto, who jammed his right shoulder after attempting to swipe second during the eighth inning of June 24 against the Boston Redsox. The Angels' shortstop underwent an MRI the following day on his shoulder, which showed no signs of structural damage.
Neto did appear as a pinch hitter in the seventh during Friday night's loss, but with him being absent in the lineup again on Saturday, it marks his third consecutive game not in the starting lineup.
Even with the consistent absence of Neto, he is very hopeful to make a comeback as soon as the Angels' next series, when the club travels to Toronto to play the Blue Jays.
When asked if he will be in the lineup Tuesday, Neto replied, "I am hoping. Hoping I get to get a goodnight sleep today, tomorrow, Monday, and hopefully by Tuesday, you know, maybe even tomorrow."
"We'll play it by ear," Interim manager Ray Montgomery said when asked if we could see Zach Neto in the lineup as soon as Sunday.
Zach Neto, who had an MRI on his shoulder on Wednesday, went through his regular BP procedure with a few stealing reps, felt good coming out of it.
— Adrian Medina (@AdrianMedina_16) June 28, 2025
Neto hopes to be in the starting lineup for the Angels starting Tuesday when the team travels to Toronto @SportingTrib
José Fermin recalled from Triple-A; DFA'd Héctor Neris
For the last flurry of news, the Angels announced that they have designated right-hander Héctor Neris for assignment and in the corresponding move, recalled José Fermin from Triple-A.
Neris, 36, was a veteran presence for the Angels' bullpen and appeared in 21 games for Los Angeles, posting a 5.14 ERA through 14 innings of work.
"Hector was great for the time he was here, Montgomery said, "in terms of what he brought to the bullpen, settled down some of the young kids, and his veteran presence."
Nerris made his big league debut with the Halos earlier this year. In 10 appearances thus far, Nerris has posted a 4.82 ERA across 9 1/3 innings of work.