How Houston Astros could bolster bullpen by bringing back a familiar face
GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
20 August
GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
One of the biggest concerns of the Astros offseason was the amount of relief pitching that walked out the door in free agency. Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, and Hector Neris all left after the season, and Kendall Graveman required shoulder surgery, further depleting Houston's bullpen.
Of all the outgoing pitchers, Neris was the one that hurt the most. He was fantastic in 2023 posting the lowest ERA (1.71) of his career. He also provided veteran leadership and came through in high-leverage situations in the playoffs.
Neris signed a 1-year, $9 million contract with the Cubs, with a vesting player option for 2025. The option would have kicked in had Neris reached 60 appearances or 45 games finished this year. According to reports, Neris has been DFA'd by the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs news: Reliever Hector Neris was DFA'd and has already cleared waivers, sources tell ESPN. He's being released. Jack Neely, acquired from the Yankees in the Mark Leiter Jr trade, is being called up to take his place.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 20, 2024
Clearly, the Cubs didn't want Neris to reach those milestones that would lock them into his salary next season, so they opted to put Neris on waivers. He reportedly cleared waivers and now can be signed to another team.
Neris is 8-4 this season with a 3.89 ERA, and 17 saves. Now that he's available, will the Astros consider bringing him back?
Houston's setup man Ryan Pressly is currently on the IL, so the club is shorthanded at the moment.
Perhaps Neris could be the final piece to push them over the top this season.
Oakland Athletics (64-82) vs. Houston Astros (77-68)
Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston
Date: Thursday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
Pitching Probables:
BETMGM Sportsbook:
Bottom Line:
The Houston Astros aim to halt a three-game skid as they host the Oakland Athletics in the final game of their three-game series. Houston, sitting atop the AL West with a 77-68 record, looks to stabilize after recent struggles. Despite their slump, the Astros are among the top power-hitting teams in the AL, ranking sixth with 170 home runs.
Oakland, with a 64-82 record, will try to play spoiler and win their second straight series against Houston. The A’s have been effective with the long ball, ranking sixth in MLB with 184 home runs, averaging 1.3 per game.
This is the 13th meeting between these division rivals this season, with the Astros holding a 7-5 advantage in the series.
Top Performers:
Last 10 Games:
La Grasa for game 3.
⚾️: 1:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#Relentless x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/DmnJo97Y26
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 12, 2024
With ace Framber Valdez on the mound, Houston will look to reverse their fortunes and secure a win as the regular season winds down. Mitch Spence will aim to keep Oakland competitive as they try to take another game from the AL West leaders.
Injury updates
Chas McCormick has been placed on the IL with a small fracture in his right hand. IF Grae Kessinger and LHP Bryan King have been recalled from Sugar Land.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES:
- IF Grae Kessinger and LHP Bryan King were recalled from Triple A Sugar Land.
- RHP Nick Hernandez was optioned to Triple A.
- OF Chas McCormick was placed on the 10-day IL with a small fracture in his right hand (retro to Sept. 11).
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 12, 2024
Kyle Tucker is expected to play right field on Friday. He has only played as the DH since returning from injury. This would be a big step forward for King Tuck.
The plan is for Kyle Tucker to play right field tomorrow in Anaheim, Joe Espada said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 12, 2024
Joe Espada provided an update on Altuve saying he is “better” today. He remains day-to-day.
Joe Espada said Jose Altuve is "better." Espada expected him "to come in and be more sore, especially after the way it looked yesterday" but Altuve was able to do some things in theweight room. He remains day to day.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 12, 2024
Article aided by ChatGBT.