Neris worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and record the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Mets.
Shota Imanaga dominated the Mets across seven innings, and then Neris shut things down to secure his fifth save of the season. The veteran righty has pitched well since taking over closing duties from Adbert Alzolay, as Neris has allowed just one earned run over his last five appearances, lowering his season ERA to 3.27. While things could change at some point, it looks like Neris is locked in as the closer in Chicago for now.
Neris worked around two walks to pitch a clean ninth inning and record the save in Monday's 3-1 win over the Mets. He struck out two.
Neris put a few runners on base, but he got out of trouble to secure his fourth save of the season. All of those saves have come in the last nine days, which coincides with Adbert Alzolay getting removed from the closer's role. The more success Neris has moving forward, the firmer his grip will get on the job, which will only increase his fantasy value. The veteran is the top Chicago reliever to target at the moment.
Neris picked up the save Thursday against Houston, allowing two walks and no hits over a scoreless inning. He didn't log a strikeout.
Neris converted on his third save of the last five days and appears to have a decent hold on the Cubs' closing job, replacing Adbert Alzolay. However, Neris's walk issues persisted Thursday, handing out two free passes to bring his season total to nine in nine innings. His lack of control has been uncharacteristic, as Neris combined for just 48 walks in 141 appearances during his previous two seasons with the Astros.
Neris allowed a solo home run but still managed to secure the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Astros. He struck out one.
Neris started the frame by allowing a home run to Jose Altuve, but he rebounded to retire the next three batters and earn his second save of the season. With Adbert Alzolay out of the closer's role following four blown saves, Neris figures to see plenty of endgame opportunities in the near future for the 15-9 Cubs. If the veteran pitches well, he could hold onto the job for the rest of the season.
Neris should be one of the top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Neris picked up his first save of the year in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader after Alzolay blew his fourth save. Counsell didn't name a replacement, but Neris is the obvious candidate given his usage Saturday and his experience as a high-leverage arm. Mark Leiter should also be in the mix.
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Cubs' Hector Neris: Notches first save
Rotowire
Neris struck out one and allowed one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader versus Miami.
Closer Adbert Alzolay blew a save chance in Game 1, opening the door for Neris to handle the final frame of the nightcap. The 34-year-old has endured some struggles early in the season with seven walks over seven innings, but he hasn't given up a run in his past four appearances. Alzolay has already blown four saves, and Neris is likely the next man up for save chances should the closer continue to falter.
