Neris Pitches Himself Back to Phillies Triple-A Affiliate

The Phillies once got 21 straight saves from then-closer Hector Neris.  After an June 27, 2017 blown save against the St. Louis Cardinals on the road, Neris recorded 20 straight save opportunities to close 2017 and opened 2018 with a save.  But much has changed since.  The Phillies announced on Monday afternoon that Neris is being optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies gave Neris every opportunity to work out of his 2018 funk.  After mostly keeping Neris out of high-leverage situations for a while, Neris notched the save on Saturday with a clean ninth inning to close out a 4-1 Phillies victory.  But when the Phillies gave Neris the ball on Sunday, up five runs, the game got way too interesting.

After four hits, including two home runs, the Phillies had to relieve Neris with pitcher Jake Thompson, currently the team's long man.  Thompson threw one pitch to maintain the remaining out to earn the save.  With victories such as Sunday's too important to lose, the Phillies will send Neris back to Triple-A to try to get back on track.

To take his place on the roster, the Phillies selected the contract of pitcher Austin Davis. Davis is no relation to the backup quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.  Davis gives the club a second left-handed pitcher to compliment lone lefty Adam Morgan.

Davis made four appearances for Double-A Reading before being promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  After going 1-1 with a 3.86 earned run average for four appearances at Reading, Davis appeared in 22 games for the IronPigs.  Davis went 0-1 with a 2.43 earned run average, striking out 38 and walking eight in 29 2/3 innings.