The Los Angeles Angels are bringing in a familiar face from their old AL West rivalry.
Veteran reliever Héctor Neris has agreed to a minor league deal with the Angels, according to the team’s transactions page, which updated the news on Thursday.
Now in his 12th MLB season, the 35-year-old Neris began his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played for eight years before signing with the Houston Astros in 2022. He contributed to the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship run and has also spent time with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Throughout his career, he’s compiled a 3.40 ERA and 107 saves, although he now primarily works in middle relief or setup roles.
Neris has had a rough start in 2025, surrendering five earned runs in just two outings for the Braves. Atlanta designated him for assignment last month, after which he chose free agency—paving the way for the Angels to pick him up.
The Angels began their 2025 season on a strong note, winning their first four series, but have since dropped three straight and currently hold a 9-8 record.
With setup man Ben Joyce sidelined due to a shoulder injury, the Angels are hoping Neris can provide some stability in the bullpen. Adding a bit of familiarity to the mix, Neris now joins a former Astros teammate who is currently leading the Angels’ starting rotation.
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