Hector Neris Returns for the Astros’ Stretch Run (See Poll)

Ari Alexander of KPRC reported today on X that the Astros are signing former Astro bullpen ace Hector Neris. Neris, 35, was released earlier this week by his former team, the Chicago Cubs.

Although Neris’ ERA with the Cubs was not completely out of line with career averages, 3.89 compared to 3.29, his performance this year was a distinct dropoff from last year, when he posted a 1.71 ERA. He has also seen a drop in K% from 28.2% down to 23.5%, an increase in BAA from .172 to .243, and an increase in WHIP from 1.05 to 1.52. His peripherals were considerably worse than his ERA, with an xERA of 4.55, xFIP of 4.56, and a SIERA of 4.36.

Nonetheless, he still performs at a marginal major league…