Phillies’ Hector Neris Back to Dominant Form Since Returning From Triple-A

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

If it were not for Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Hector Neris' dominance since returning from his 39-game absence while optioned at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the club's second-worst 6.40 bullpen ERA since August 13 would look a lot worse.

The five-year veteran was sent down on June to fine-tune his pitching, after posting a 6.90 ERA and 1.533 WHIP over a shaky 33 appearances and 30 innings to start the season. Neris did just that and more, as in seven games and 6 2/3 scoreless innings since August 15, he has allowed just four of his 24 batters faced to reach — two singles, one double and one walk — while punching out 15 batters.

The Phillies have 10 series left this season, eight of which are against National League East opponents starting with a three-game set against the Washington Nationals this Monday through Wednesday. Combined in his career against the club's remaining 2018 opponents, Neris is 7-9 with  3.36 ERA, 1.251 WHIP and 150 strikeouts spanning 128 2/3 innings and 122 appearances. The right-hander has a 2.33 career ERA against the Atlanta Braves, and a 1.74 career ERA against the Colorado Rockies, the Phillies last two opponents covering their final 11 games.

Having a rejuvenated Neris in the back-end of the bullpen could be a huge asset for the postseason-hopeful Phillies, especially to offset struggling rookie RHP Seranthony Dominguez.