Zach Neal
{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1988)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Zach Neal
|image = Zach Neal 2016.jpg
|caption = Neal warms up on September 6, 2016
|width = 250
|team =
|number =
|position = Pitcher
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|11|9}}
|birth_place = Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
|bats = Right
|throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate = May 11
|debutyear = 2016
|debutteam = Oakland Athletics
|debut2league= NPB
|debut2date = April 2
|debut2year = 2019
|debut2team = Saitama Seibu Lions
|final2league = MLB
|final2date = October 1
|final2year = 2023
|final2team = Oakland Athletics
|finalleague= NPB
|finaldate = September 8
|finalyear = 2021
|finalteam = Saitama Seibu Lions
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label = Win–loss record
|stat1value = 3–5
|stat2label = Earned run average
|stat2value = 5.35
|stat3label = Strikeouts
|stat3value = 62
|stat2league = NPB
|stat21label = Win–loss record
|stat21value = 19–15
|stat22label = Earned run average
|stat22value = 4.49
|stat23label = Strikeouts
|stat23value = 143
|teams =
- Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2017}})
- Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2018}})
- Saitama Seibu Lions ({{npby|2019}}–{{npby|2021}})
- Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2023}})
}}
Zachary Sheridan Neal (born November 9, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Career
=Amateur career=
Neal attended Flower Mound High School in Flower Mound, Texas. He played college baseball at Sam Houston State University, Howard College, and the University of Oklahoma.{{Cite web |last=Helsley |first=John |date=May 6, 2010 |title=Pitcher Zach Neal just wins games for Sooners |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2010/05/06/pitcher-zach-neal-just-wins-games-for-sooners/61251392007/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}
=Florida / Miami Marlins=
The Florida Marlins selected Neal in the 17th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut with the GCL Marlins and also played for the Low-A Jamestown Jammers, accumulating a 2–1 record and 1.44 ERA in 7 games. In 2011, Neal played for the Single-A Greensboro Grasshoppers, posting a 7–6 record and 4.16 ERA in 22 appearances. The next year, he split the season between the High-A Jupiter Hammerheads and the Double-A Jacksonville Suns, pitching to a cumulative 8–7 record and 2.78 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 30 games.{{Cite web |title=Zach Neal Minor & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=neal--001zac |website=Baseball Reference}}
=Oakland Athletics=
On March 31, 2013, Neal signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web|url=http://www.mrt.com/sports/article_d47493f2-9ca5-11e2-975c-001a4bcf887a.html|title=Rockhounds: Former Howard star Neal hoping to make more baseball memories in Midland|last=LeRoy|first=Oscar|work=mrt.com|date=April 3, 2013|access-date=January 26, 2017}} He was assigned to the Double-A Midland RockHounds, where he spent the season, registering an 8–12 record and 4.35 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 165.2 innings of work. In 2014, Neal split the season between the High-A Stockton Ports, Midland, and the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, logging a 10–7 record and 3.09 ERA in 27 appearances between the three teams. In 2015, Neal split the year between the Triple-A Nashville Sounds and Midland, pitching to a 10–13 record and 4.67 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 167.2 innings pitched.
Neal was called up to the majors for the first time on May 11, 2016.{{cite tweet |number=730434911019110400 |user=Athletics |title=MOVES: RHP Zach Neal selected; LHP Surkamp recalled; INF Lowrie to 15-day DL (shin contusion); LHP Coulombe optioned; INF Sogard to 60-day DL |author=Oakland Athletics |date=May 11, 2016}} Neal was a solid contributor for Oakland, appearing in 24 games with 6 spot starts. He finished with a 2–4 record and 2 saves. However, he had a low strikeout rate, striking out only 9.6 percent of batters faced.{{Cite web |title=Zach Neal Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nealza01.shtml |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}
On January 18, 2017, he was designated for assignment by Oakland after the team signed Trevor Plouffe.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/athletics-designate-zach-neal.html|title=Athletics Designate Zach Neal|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 18, 2017|access-date=January 18, 2017}} Neal cleared waivers and was assigned to Nashville.{{cite web|url=http://www.athleticsnation.com/2017/1/25/14392232/zach-neal-clears-waivers-remains-in-oakland-as-organization|title=Zach Neal clears waivers, remains in Oakland A's organization|last=Hall|first=Alex|work=Athletics Nation|date=January 25, 2017|access-date=January 26, 2017}} He began the 2017 season in Triple-A, but was called up to the Athletics on May 24.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-promoted-to-majors/|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: Promoted to majors|work=CBS Sports|date=May 24, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017}} He was twice optioned back to Nashville and recalled during the season before being designated for assignment on August 16.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/08/athletics-designate-zach-neal-2.html|title=Athletics Designate Zach Neal|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 16, 2017|access-date=August 16, 2017}} He was outrighted to Nashville on August 18. On the year, he recorded a 7.98 ERA in 6 appearances. He elected to become a free agent after the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=594943|title=Zach Neal Stats, Highlights, Bio|website=milb.com|access-date=October 3, 2017}}
=Los Angeles Dodgers=
On January 6, 2018, Neal signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|title=Dodgers Rumors: Zach Neal Agrees To Minor League Contract|url=http://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-rumors-zach-neal-signs-minor-league-contract/2018/01/06/|website=DodgerBlue.com|author=Starkand, Daniel|date=January 6, 2018}} He was added to the Dodgers major league roster on April 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2018/4/3/17194952/zach-neal-promoted-josh-fields-paternity-list-dodgers-jesus-liranzo|title=Zach Neal called up from Triple-A, Josh Fields placed on paternity list|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=April 3, 2018}} After pitching one inning for the Dodgers, in which he allowed a home run to John Ryan Murphy, Neal was designated for assignment on April 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/04/dodgers-claim-alec-asher.html|title=Dodgers Claim Alec Asher, Designate Zach Neal|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Jeff|last=Todd|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2018}}
=Cincinnati Reds=
On April 17, 2018, the Dodgers traded Neal and Ibandel Isabel to the Cincinnati Reds for Ariel Hernández. Neal was assigned to the Louisville Bats.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-acquire-zach-neal-ibandel-isabel/c-272603386|title=Reds acquire Minor Leaguers Neal, Isabel|work=MLB.com|first=Mark|last=Sheldon|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}} Neal pitched to a 2–2 record and 5.90 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of work.
=Los Angeles Dodgers (second stint)=
On July 4, 2018, Neal was traded back to the Dodgers organization along with Dylan Floro and international bonus pool space for minor league pitchers James Marinan and Aneurys Zabala.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-acquire-dylan-floro-zach-neal-from-reds.html|title=Dodgers Acquire Dylan Floro, Zach Neal From Reds|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Mark|last=Polishuk|date=July 4, 2018|access-date=July 4, 2018}} He pitched in 14 games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, starting 11 of them, and finished with a 3–2 record and 4.40 ERA. Neal elected free agency on October 11.
=Saitama Seibu Lions=
Neal signed with the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2019 season.{{Cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/04/07/baseball/japanese-baseball/lions-newcomer-zach-neal-gets-japan-journey-off-bright-start/ | title=Lions newcomer Zach Neal gets Japan journey off to bright start| newspaper=The Japan Times Online| date=2019-04-07| last1=Coskrey| first1=Jason}} He finished his first NPB season with a 12–1 record and 2.87 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 100.1 innings of work. In 2020, Neal pitched to a 6–8 record and 5.22 ERA in 21 games. In 2021, Neal made 11 appearances, going 1–6 with a 5.85 ERA and 26 strikeouts. He became a free agent following the season.
=Colorado Rockies=
On February 18, 2022, Neal signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.{{Cite news | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/02/rockies-sign-zach-neal-dillon-overton-to-minors-deals.html | title=Rockies Sign Zach Neal, Dillon Overton To Minors Deals| website=MLB Trade Rumors| date=February 18, 2022| last1=Franco| first1=Anthony}} Neal pitched in 29 games (starting 21) for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, logging a 6–6 record and 6.87 ERA with 95 strikeouts in {{Fraction|116|2|3}} innings. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}
=Oakland Athletics (second stint)=
On April 7, 2023, Neal signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: Inks minors deal with Oakland|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-inks-minors-deal-with-oak/amp/|access-date=2023-04-08|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He made 3 appearances (2 starts) for the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, posting a 5.56 ERA with 11 strikeouts in {{fraction|11|1|3}} innings pitched. On May 11, Neal was selected to the active roster to make a spot start against the Texas Rangers.{{cite web|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: Selected to MLB roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-selected-to-mlb-roster/|access-date=2023-05-11|website=cbssports.com|date=May 11, 2023 |language=en}} Neal pitched in 2 games for Oakland, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits with 3 strikeouts in {{fraction|3|1|3}} innings pitched. Neal was designated for assignment on May 19, following the promotion of Lucas Erceg.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: DFA'd by Oakland|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-dfad-by-oakland/|access-date=2023-05-19|website=cbssports.com|date=May 19, 2023 |language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on May 20.{{Cite web |title=Transactions |url=https://www.mlb.com/transactions/2023/05/20 |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} On August 3, Neal returned to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: Selected to MLB bullpen|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-selected-to-mlb-bullpen/|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 3, 2023 |language=en}} In 14 total appearances for Oakland, he struggled to a 6.67 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 27 innings. On October 4, Neal was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Zach Neal: Outrighted off 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-outrighted-off-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=October 4, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On October 6, Neal elected free agency.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/zach-neal-opts-for-free-agency/|title=Zach Neal: Opts for free agency|date=October 6, 2023|website=CBSSports.com}}
= Retirement =
Neal announced his retirement after the 2023 season.{{Cite web |last=Neal |first=Zach |title=I recently shared on my social media that I have retired from Baseball. I… |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zach-neal-9b67481b2_i-recently-shared-on-my-social-media-that-activity-7158211497209331713-je8z |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=LinkedIn |language=en}}
Personal life
Neal is married to Kianna Neal, nėe Witt, sister of Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bobby-witt-jr-zach-neal-meet-for-first-time-in-mlb|title=Witt Jr. and brother-in-law Zach Neal meet in the Majors|last=Rogers|first=Anne|date=August 24, 202|access-date=September 22, 2024|website=MLB.com}}{{Cite web |date=2019-06-04 |title=Photos: Welcome to the Big Leagues, junior! Bobby Witt's living room explodes as the Colleyville Heritage SS becomes a Kansas City Royal |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/photos/2019/06/04/photos-welcome-to-the-big-leagues-junior-bobby-witt-s-living-room-explodes-as-the-colleyville-heritage-ss-becomes-a-kansas-city-royal/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Dallas News |language=en}} Neal and his wife met when he was pitching for the University of Oklahoma, where she was a cheerleader.{{Cite magazine |date=July 15, 2019 |title=Bobby Witt Jr. |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2019/07/15/bobby-witt-jr |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} Neal is a father.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Baseballstats|mlb=594943|espn=31806|br=n/nealza01|fangraphs=11294|brm=neal--001zac|retro=N/Pnealz001}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Neal, Zach}}
Category:Albuquerque Isotopes players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Baseball players from Columbia, South Carolina
Category:Greensboro Grasshoppers players
Category:Gulf Coast Marlins players
Category:Howard Hawks baseball players
Category:Jacksonville Suns players
Category:Jamestown Jammers players
Category:Jupiter Hammerheads players
Category:Las Vegas Aviators players
Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players
Category:Louisville Bats players
Category:Major League Baseball pitchers
Category:Midland RockHounds players
Category:Nashville Sounds players
Category:Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers
Category:Oakland Athletics players
Category:Oklahoma City Dodgers players
Category:Oklahoma Sooners baseball players
Category:Sacramento River Cats players
Category:Saitama Seibu Lions players
Category:Sam Houston Bearkats baseball players