After Adbert Alzolay’s fourth blown save on the season on Saturday, it became evident that the Chicago Cubs needed a change in the closer role. For a team determined to reach the postseason, there’s a slim margin for error when it comes to finishing close games.
Changes came about when Craig Counsell handed the ball to Hector Neris for the ninth inning in the nightcap of Saturday’s doubleheader. The results were favorable as Neris notched one strikeout in a scoreless frame to record the save in the Cubs’ 5-3 win.
While it was only his first save of the year, Neris has 90 for his career, showing he’s the most qualified arm to handle the role for the Cubs right now.
For a team that generally puts little money into its bullpen, the Cubs surprisingly signed Neris to a one-year, $9 million contract this past offseason.
The goal at the time seemed to be for the 34-year-old to provide an established bridge to Alzolay. But plans have changed, and Neris has an opportunity to own the Cubs’ closer role, at least for the time being.
After a bit of a shaky start to the season, Neris has been effective in his last four appearances. Including his save opportunity on Saturday, the righty hasn’t allowed an earned run across those outings.
Craig Counsell doesn't like using the term "closer" but said the Cubs' 9th-inning role will be a "day-to-day" assessment.
Adbert Alzolay likely won't be in that role Sunday but Counsell hopes Cubs get back to that point again this season where he is closing down games.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) April 21, 2024
Other key bullpen members could also be needed in the ninth inning. Mark Leiter Jr. has made 10 appearances with a spotless ERA to show for it. Rookies Ben Brown and Luke Little have also provided consistent relief in the early going of the 2024 season.
But with his back-end track record with the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, Neris’ experience in crunch time should push him to the front of the line.
The Cubs still have faith that Alzolay can find himself once again. But with the clock ticking already, Neris looks to be making his case to be the new full-time closer for now.
