Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi announced Wednesday that right-hander Hector Neris will open the season as the team’s closer.
Neris was awarded the job over right-hander Archie Bradley and left-hander Jose Alvarado, who will serve as the top setup men for the 31-year-old Neris.
Neris pitched in 10 games during spring training, striking out 14 batters and walking none over 9 2/3 innings and posting a 3.72 ERA.
He was 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA and five saves in 24 relief appearances in 2020, striking out 27 and walking 13 in 21 2/3 innings.
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Since making his debut with Philadelphia in 2014, the Dominican is 17-22 with 72 saves and a 3.38 ERA in 331 appearances out of the bullpen.
The Phillies open the season on Thursday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, with Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola facing left-hander Max Fried.
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–Field Level Media