Atlanta Braves fans will remember veteran reliever Hector Neris from the team's opening series against the San Diego Padres. Manager Brian Snitker had no idea who he might rely on and turned to the veteran as a possible answer in a high-leverage spot. Neris quickly proved this to be a mistake putting away the game for the opposing team and leaving the Braves no choice but to part ways despite the underwhelming remaining options. After leaving Atlanta, Neris landed with the Los Angeles Angels and ran into the exact same issues he had early with the Braves. This resulted in the Angels opting to release Neris to free agency.
It didn't come as a surprise for a rebuilding team that had little reason to keep a failing veteran. With zero trade value and no obvious contributions to the roster, it was the right decision to move on. One the Braves made with far more decisiveness early in the season. Still, it hasn't taken Neris long to find a new landing spot signing with a familiar team. The one solid run in the veteran's career came as a member of the Houston Astros bullpen. This is where the right-hander will now return, joining his third team of the 2025 season.
Former Braves Reliever Hector Neris Lands in Houston
The reunion is only shocking due to the fact the Astros were willing to give Neris a Major League deal and put the veteran on the active roster. It does make sense the franchise would respect a player who was pivotal to the team's 2022 World Series run. However, it seems with the recent struggles with two failing teams, adding the veteran to a contender isn't the best plan.
Still, it serves as yet another chance for Neris to turn things around in a familiar role. If there is any franchise that knows how to get the best out of the reliever it is Houston. If things don't work out for the veteran here it seems likely that this will be the end of his 2025 season and perhaps beyond.
For Atlanta, it is a non-story at this point when you consider the team's continued desperation. While parting ways with Neris was the right move, the team's lack of answers in the months since remains concerning for an organization that lacks any clear direction.