Astros bring back Neris to bolster 'pen
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The Astros reunited with Héctor Neris on Saturday, agreeing to a Major League deal with the veteran reliever. To make room on the roster, right-hander Seth Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land and Minor League infielder Jacob Amaya was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man.
Neris, who was released by the Cubs on Tuesday, pitched for the Astros from 2022-23 and was a key part of Houston's World Series-winning bullpen in '22, contributing three scoreless outings in the Fall Classic against the Phillies.
Neris made 141 relief appearances for the Astros over his two seasons in Houston, putting up a 2.69 ERA with 156 strikeouts in 133 2/3 innings (10.5 K/9).
The 35-year-old right-hander signed with the Cubs as a free agent over the offseason and made 46 appearances for Chicago in 2024, recording 17 saves with a 3.89 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 44 innings (9.4 K/9).