How Houston Astros could bolster bullpen by bringing back a familiar face
GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
20 August 2024
Should the Astros bring back Hector Neris? Composite Getty Image.
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.
Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz homered to help the Houston Astros beat the Miami Marlins 7-3 on Tuesday night.
Jeremy Peña drove in two runs as AL West-leading Houston won its second straight game. AJ Blubaugh (1-1) pitched five innings of two-run ball in his first career win.
Altuve hit a two-run drive off Cal Quantrill in the first for his 19th homer.
Making history with that one!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/K2S8IdiPmG
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 5, 2025
Peña made it 4-1 with a two-run triple in the fourth, and Diaz hit a three-run shot in the fifth for his 16th homer.
Do yourself a favor and watch this Yainer bomb.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/xqSDoTl70n
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 6, 2025
Quantrill (4-9) permitted seven runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Jakob Marsee hit his first career homer for Miami, and Eric Wagaman also went deep. The Marlins had won five in a row before Monday’s 8-2 loss in the series opener.
Marsee singled home Heriberto Hernandez in the second. He connected for a solo shot in the fifth and walked in the seventh. He also made a rangy catch in center in the eighth.
Astros outfielder Jesús Sánchez had two hits against his former team. He was acquired in a trade with Miami last week.
He caught up with Julia Morales after the big win!
Another 2 hits tonight for Jesús Sánchez in the #Astros 7-3 win over the Marlins
He talked with @JuliaMorales after the WIN@astros I #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/l9kvDfYBei
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) August 6, 2025
Key moment
Diaz broke it open with his 405-foot drive to left-center in the fifth, lifting Houston to a 7-1 lead.
Key stat
Marsee is 6 for 12 with three RBIs and five walks in his first five major league games.
Up next
Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (1-1, 5.59 ERA) starts for Houston on Wednesday, and right-hander Janson Junk (5-2, 3.86 ERA) goes for Miami in the series finale.
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