# Zach Neal

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**Zachary Sheridan Neal** (born November 9, 1988) is an American former professional [baseball](/source/Baseball) [pitcher](/source/Pitcher). He played in [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB) for the [Oakland Athletics](/source/Oakland_Athletics) and [Los Angeles Dodgers](/source/Los_Angeles_Dodgers), and in [Nippon Professional Baseball](/source/Nippon_Professional_Baseball) (NPB) for the [Saitama Seibu Lions](/source/Saitama_Seibu_Lions).

## Career

### Amateur career

Neal attended [Flower Mound High School](/source/Flower_Mound_High_School) in [Flower Mound, Texas](/source/Flower_Mound,_Texas). He played [college baseball](/source/College_baseball) at [Sam Houston State University](/source/Sam_Houston_State_University), [Howard College](/source/Howard_College), and the [University of Oklahoma](/source/University_of_Oklahoma).[1]

### Florida / Miami Marlins

The [Florida Marlins](/source/Florida_Marlins) selected Neal in the 17th round of the [2010 Major League Baseball draft](/source/2010_Major_League_Baseball_draft). He made his professional debut with the [GCL Marlins](/source/GCL_Marlins) and also played for the Low-A [Jamestown Jammers](/source/Jamestown_Jammers), accumulating a 2–1 record and 1.44 ERA in 7 games. In 2011, Neal played for the Single-A [Greensboro Grasshoppers](/source/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](/source/Jupiter_Hammerheads) and the Double-A [Jacksonville Suns](/source/Jacksonville_Suns), pitching to a cumulative 8–7 record and 2.78 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 30 games.[2]

### Oakland Athletics

On March 31, 2013, Neal signed a minor league contract with the [Oakland Athletics](/source/Oakland_Athletics).[3] He was assigned to the Double-A [Midland RockHounds](/source/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](/source/Stockton_Ports), Midland, and the Triple-A [Sacramento River Cats](/source/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](/source/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.[4] 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.[5]

On January 18, 2017, he was [designated for assignment](/source/Designated_for_assignment) by Oakland after the team signed [Trevor Plouffe](/source/Trevor_Plouffe).[6] Neal cleared waivers and was assigned to Nashville.[7] He began the 2017 season in Triple-A, but was called up to the Athletics on May 24.[8] He was twice optioned back to Nashville and recalled during the season before being designated for assignment on August 16.[9] He was [outrighted](/source/Outright_(baseball)) 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.[10]

### Los Angeles Dodgers

On January 6, 2018, Neal signed a minor league contract with the [Los Angeles Dodgers](/source/Los_Angeles_Dodgers) that included an invitation to spring training.[11] He was added to the Dodgers major league roster on April 3.[12] After pitching one inning for the Dodgers, in which he allowed a home run to [John Ryan Murphy](/source/John_Ryan_Murphy), Neal was designated for assignment on April 5.[13]

### Cincinnati Reds

On April 17, 2018, the Dodgers traded Neal and Ibandel Isabel to the [Cincinnati Reds](/source/Cincinnati_Reds) for [Ariel Hernández](/source/Ariel_Hern%C3%A1ndez_(baseball)). Neal was assigned to the [Louisville Bats](/source/Louisville_Bats).[14] 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](/source/Dylan_Floro) and international bonus pool space for minor league pitchers James Marinan and [Aneurys Zabala](/source/Aneurys_Zabala).[15] He pitched in 14 games for the Triple-A [Oklahoma City Dodgers](/source/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.[10]

### Saitama Seibu Lions

Neal signed with the [Saitama Seibu Lions](/source/Saitama_Seibu_Lions) of [Nippon Professional Baseball](/source/Nippon_Professional_Baseball) for the 2019 season.[16] 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.[2]

### Colorado Rockies

On February 18, 2022, Neal signed a minor league contract with the [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies).[17] Neal pitched in 29 games (starting 21) for the Triple-A [Albuquerque Isotopes](/source/Albuquerque_Isotopes), logging a 6–6 record and 6.87 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 116 2⁄3 innings. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.[18]

### Oakland Athletics (second stint)

On April 7, 2023, Neal signed a minor league contract with the [Oakland Athletics](/source/Oakland_Athletics).[19] He made 3 appearances (2 starts) for the Triple-A [Las Vegas Aviators](/source/Las_Vegas_Aviators), posting a 5.56 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 11 1⁄3 innings pitched. On May 11, Neal was selected to the active roster to make a spot start against the [Texas Rangers](/source/Texas_Rangers_(baseball)).[20] Neal pitched in 2 games for Oakland, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits with 3 strikeouts in 3 1⁄3 innings pitched. Neal was [designated for assignment](/source/Designated_for_assignment) on May 19, following the promotion of [Lucas Erceg](/source/Lucas_Erceg).[21] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on May 20.[22] On August 3, Neal returned to the major league roster.[23] 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.[24] On October 6, Neal elected free agency.[25]

### Retirement

Neal announced his retirement after the 2023 season.[26]

## Personal life

Neal is married to Kianna Neal, née Witt, sister of [Kansas City Royals](/source/Kansas_City_Royals) shortstop [Bobby Witt Jr.](/source/Bobby_Witt_Jr.)[27][28] Neal and his wife met when he was pitching for the University of Oklahoma, where she was a cheerleader.[29] Neal is a father.[26]

## References

1. Helsley, John (May 6, 2010). ["Pitcher Zach Neal just wins games for Sooners"](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2010/05/06/pitcher-zach-neal-just-wins-games-for-sooners/61251392007/). *The Oklahoman*. Retrieved 2024-06-14.

1. ["Zach Neal Minor & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=neal--001zac). *[Baseball Reference](/source/Baseball_Reference)*

1. LeRoy, Oscar (April 3, 2013). ["Rockhounds: Former Howard star Neal hoping to make more baseball memories in Midland"](http://www.mrt.com/sports/article_d47493f2-9ca5-11e2-975c-001a4bcf887a.html). *mrt.com*. Retrieved January 26, 2017.

1. [Oakland Athletics](/source/Oakland_Athletics) (May 11, 2016). "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". No. 730434911019110400.

1. ["Zach Neal Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nealza01.shtml). *Baseball-Reference.com*. Retrieved 2024-12-09.

1. Todd, Jeff (January 18, 2017). ["Athletics Designate Zach Neal"](http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/athletics-designate-zach-neal.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved January 18, 2017.

1. Hall, Alex (January 25, 2017). ["Zach Neal clears waivers, remains in Oakland A's organization"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170125233111/http://www.athleticsnation.com/2017/1/25/14392232/zach-neal-clears-waivers-remains-in-oakland-as-organization). *Athletics Nation*. Archived from [the original](http://www.athleticsnation.com/2017/1/25/14392232/zach-neal-clears-waivers-remains-in-oakland-as-organization) on January 25, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: Promoted to majors"](http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-promoted-to-majors/). *CBS Sports*. May 24, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.

1. Todd, Jeff (August 16, 2017). ["Athletics Designate Zach Neal"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/08/athletics-designate-zach-neal-2.html). *mlbtraderumors.com*. Retrieved August 16, 2017.

1. ["Zach Neal Stats, Highlights, Bio"](http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=594943). *milb.com*. Retrieved October 3, 2017.

1. Starkand, Daniel (January 6, 2018). ["Dodgers Rumors: Zach Neal Agrees To Minor League Contract"](http://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-rumors-zach-neal-signs-minor-league-contract/2018/01/06/). *DodgerBlue.com*

1. Stephen, Eric (April 3, 2018). ["Zach Neal called up from Triple-A, Josh Fields placed on paternity list"](https://www.truebluela.com/2018/4/3/17194952/zach-neal-promoted-josh-fields-paternity-list-dodgers-jesus-liranzo). *SB Nation*. Retrieved April 3, 2018.

1. Todd, Jeff (April 5, 2018). ["Dodgers Claim Alec Asher, Designate Zach Neal"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/04/dodgers-claim-alec-asher.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved April 5, 2018.

1. Sheldon, Mark (April 17, 2018). ["Reds acquire Minor Leaguers Neal, Isabel"](https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-acquire-zach-neal-ibandel-isabel/c-272603386). *MLB.com*. Retrieved April 17, 2018.

1. Polishuk, Mark (July 4, 2018). ["Dodgers Acquire Dylan Floro, Zach Neal From Reds"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-acquire-dylan-floro-zach-neal-from-reds.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*. Retrieved July 4, 2018.

1. Coskrey, Jason (2019-04-07). ["Lions newcomer Zach Neal gets Japan journey off to bright start"](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/04/07/baseball/japanese-baseball/lions-newcomer-zach-neal-gets-japan-journey-off-bright-start/). *The Japan Times Online*

1. Franco, Anthony (February 18, 2022). ["Rockies Sign Zach Neal, Dillon Overton To Minors Deals"](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/02/rockies-sign-zach-neal-dillon-overton-to-minors-deals.html). *MLB Trade Rumors*

1. ["2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams"](https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml). *baseballamerica.com*. November 13, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2024.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: Inks minors deal with OAK"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-inks-minors-deal-with-oak/). *CBS Sports*. 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2025-12-25.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: Selected to MLB roster"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-selected-to-mlb-roster/). *cbssports.com*. May 11, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-11.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: DFA'd by Oakland"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-dfad-by-oakland/). *cbssports.com*. May 19, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-19.

1. ["Transactions"](https://www.mlb.com/transactions/2023/05/20). *MLB.com*. Retrieved 2024-06-14.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: Selected to MLB bullpen"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-selected-to-mlb-bullpen/). *cbssports.com*. August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.

1. ["Athletics' Zach Neal: Outrighted off 40-man roster"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-zach-neal-outrighted-off-40-man-roster/amp/). *cbssports.com*. Retrieved October 4, 2023.

1. ["Zach Neal: Opts for free agency"](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/zach-neal-opts-for-free-agency/). *CBSSports.com*. October 6, 2023.

1. Neal, Zach. ["I recently shared on my social media that I have retired from Baseball. I…"](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zach-neal-9b67481b2_i-recently-shared-on-my-social-media-that-activity-7158211497209331713-je8z). *[LinkedIn](/source/LinkedIn)*. Retrieved 2024-12-09.

1. Rogers, Anne (August 24, 2023). ["Witt Jr. and brother-in-law Zach Neal meet in the Majors"](https://www.mlb.com/news/bobby-witt-jr-zach-neal-meet-for-first-time-in-mlb). *[MLB.com](/source/MLB.com)*. Retrieved September 22, 2024.

1. ["Photos: Welcome to the Big Leagues, junior! Bobby Witt's living room explodes as the Colleyville Heritage SS becomes a Kansas City Royal"](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/). *Dallas News*. 2019-06-04. Retrieved 2024-12-09.

1. ["Bobby Witt Jr."](https://vault.si.com/vault/2019/07/15/bobby-witt-jr). *[Sports Illustrated](/source/Sports_Illustrated)*. July 15, 2019.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Zach Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Neal) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Neal?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.