Sat Jul 26 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Angels’ Neto Struggles with Feet-First Sliding; Bullpen Misses Strickland’s Presence
**NEW YORK** – Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is still adjusting to feet-first sliding after a head-first slide earlier this season caused a shoulder injury. Despite efforts to change his sliding technique, Neto admitted to inadvertently sliding head-first again during Monday night’s game and acknowledges his current feet-first slides are awkward and potentially dangerous. He hopes more spring training practice will help him master the technique.
Meanwhile, the Angels’ bullpen is feeling the absence of veteran reliever Hunter Strickland, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Before Strickland’s injury on July 7th, the bullpen ERA was 3.24. Without him, the bullpen ERA has ballooned to 5.80. Interim manager Ray Montgomery emphasized Strickland’s calming presence and ability to strand inherited runners as key factors in the bullpen’s earlier success. The Angels plan a bullpen game Wednesday against the Mets, with Brock Burke starting. In other news, the Angels announced they signed all 21 of their draft picks, repeating their perfect signing record from 2023.
First Piper 