After being designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves at the end of last month and ultimately released on April 2, former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Hector Neris has found a new opportunity with the Los Angeles Angels.
The 35-year-old pitcher signed a minor league contract with the Angels on Wednesday, according to their transactions log on MLB.com. Ari Alexander of KRPC-2 reported on Thursday that Neris will earn $1.5 million if he makes it to the majors.
The Braves had signed Neris to a one-year, $2 million minor league contract in early March during Spring Training, hoping the veteran could add depth to their bullpen. Neris made just three appearances during Spring Training, but it was enough for the Braves to include him on their Opening Day roster.
Unfortunately, Neris struggled right away, particularly in Atlanta’s first series of the season against the San Diego Padres. In his first appearance of 2025, Neris allowed three hits, three earned runs (including a home run), and blew the save on Opening Day.
He was called back to pitch a few days later but allowed two hits, two earned runs, a walk, and only struck out one batter in one inning. After two disappointing appearances, the Braves decided to move on from Neris, who will now try to earn a spot on the Angels’ big league roster.
Neris has had a lengthy MLB career, beginning with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched for eight seasons (2014-2021) and posted a 3.42 ERA in 405 appearances. After his time in Philadelphia, Neris spent two seasons with the Houston Astros (2022-2023) before briefly joining the Chicago Cubs in 2024, who released him in late August. The Astros quickly re-signed him four days later.
Now with the Angels, it remains to be seen whether Neris can bounce back from his rough stint with the Braves or if he’ll continue to struggle.
