Through four appearances (3.2 innings), Neris has a 7.36 ERA and 1.91 WHIP to go along with five strikeouts.
Neris has continued to miss bats at a high rate as he's done his entire career, though he's struggled to limit baserunners, and that's led to his high WHIP and ERA so far. It's of course a small sample, and the veteran righty posted a 1.71 ERA and 1.05 WHIP last season with the Astros, so better days are likely ahead. Neris should continue to work in a setup role in front of closer Adbert Alzolay.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell doesn't plan to have defined roles for Neris or any other member of the bullpen heading into the season, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
Adbert Alzolay is probably first in line to close for the Cubs, with Neris closely behind. However, Counsell wants his usage of the bullpen to evolve organically rather than pigeon-holing guys before the season starts. Neris inked a one-year, $9 million contract with the Cubs in January after posting a 1.71 ERA with 77 strikeouts and a career-high 31 holds in 68.1 frames for Houston last year.
Neris, who tossed a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies, has a 2.25 ERA across four spring appearances.
Neris is expected to settle into a high-leverage role after joining the Cubs over the winter. The veteran righty was a key member of the Houston bullpen the last few seasons, and he posted a stellar 1.71 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 68.1 innings for the Astros last year. Neris will likely set up closer Adbert Alzolay to begin the regular season, though the former is an option for saves if Alzolay struggles.
