Encouraging news for Neto, Stephenson in road to recovery

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Zach Neto and reliever Robert Stephenson are both coming off surgeries, but they received positive news on the first day of official workouts for Angels pitchers and catchers on Wednesday.

Neto, who underwent right shoulder surgery in early November, said he met with team doctors on Tuesday and found out he¡¯s ahead of schedule in his recovery. He still doesn¡¯t know if he¡¯ll be ready for Opening Day, but he is encouraged by his progress. And Stephenson, who underwent Tommy John surgery last April, threw off the mound on Wednesday for the first time since the operation and is tracking a return by midseason.

¡°Physically, I'm feeling good,¡± Neto said. ¡°I just got here and got to see doctors yesterday and got a bunch of good news. So, you know, just a matter of taking it step by step and having a great Spring Training. Everything is coming along very well, ahead of schedule.¡±

Neto, 24, was the club's best player last year, hitting .249/.318/.443 with 23 homers, 34 doubles, 77 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 155 games. He led the club with 5.1 bWAR and provided strong defense at shortstop.

General manager Perry Minasian said there¡¯s still no official timeframe for Neto, but the Halos have been encouraged by his recovery. They¡¯ll know more about his potential return date as they get deeper into Spring Training.

¡°Great news,¡± Minasian said. ¡°Obviously, he's an important part of this team. And we're going to take a day-to-day [approach] with him, but he's doing well. It's nice to be [24], isn't it? You recover a little quicker. We¡¯re excited with where he's at.¡±

The Angels added several infielders this offseason, including signing Kevin Newman, trading for Scott Kingery and inking veteran Tim Anderson to a Minor League deal. They are the top contenders to see time at short in Neto¡¯s absence, as Luis Rengifo is more likely to see time at third base or second base, especially with Anthony Rendon set to undergo hip surgery and miss extended time.

Stephenson, meanwhile, took a big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, throwing a light bullpen session. He said he¡¯s aiming for a return by early July, although the Angels say there¡¯s no official timetable just yet. He signed a three-year deal worth $33 million before last season, but the Angels now hold a $2.5 million option for the ¡¯27 season because of his elbow surgery.

¡°Just in general, the progression, it's felt really good,¡± Stephenson said. ¡°I've had zero issues throughout the whole process, and it's honestly been a lot smoother than I expected it to be. My arm feels great right now. So I kind of have to hold them back, trying to make sure I stay within the range they want me to be in, so that way I don't push anything more than they want me to right now.¡±

Angels tidbits

? The Angels have yet to make the agreements with closer Kenley Jansen and third baseman Yo¨¢n Moncada official yet. Both players still must undergo their physicals at the club¡¯s Spring Training complex, but they should be completed before the end of the week. Rendon will head to the 60-day injured list to open one 40-man roster spot. Jansen will serve as the club¡¯s closer, while Moncada is likely to start at third with Rendon out.

? Angels manager Ron Washington and Minasian will meet with superstar Mike Trout in person once he gets to camp to discuss ways to keep him healthy this year. They¡¯ve been in contact throughout the offseason, and they will come up with a plan that¡¯s expected to have him see more action in the corner outfield spots and designated hitter.

? Chuck Finley and Chili Davis arrived at Angels camp as guest instructors. Other former Angels expected to serve as guest instructors this spring include Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Kurt Suzuki, Mark Gubicza and Mark Langston. Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana, who helped out with the club¡¯s prospect development camp at Angel Stadium this offseason, are also candidates to help out this spring.

? Lefty Victor Gonz¨¢lez, who was signed to a Minor League deal, is having visa issues coming from his native Mexico, and his arrival at camp will be delayed. He¡¯s competing for a spot in the bullpen.