Chicago Cubs Designate Hector Neris

Right-hander Jack Neely Called Up to Take Neris' Spot

Neris Struggled With Consistency This Year

The Chicago Cubs have designated veteran reliever Hector Neris for assignment, according to ESPN sources. Right-hander Jack Neely, who was acquired from the New York Yankees for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. in July, has been called up to take Neris' spot on the roster.

Neris, 32, served as the Cubs' closer for the past four seasons, but he struggled to find consistency this year. He went 8-4 with 17 saves and a 3.89 ERA in 55 appearances.

Neris' spot on the 40-man roster will be filled by Neely, 24, whose contract is being selected from Triple-A Iowa. Neely has a 2.89 ERA in 34 appearances this season, with 52 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched.

• Neris has struggled to find consistency this year, going 8-4 with 17 saves and a 3.89 ERA.
• Neely, 24, has a 2.89 ERA in 34 appearances this season, with 52 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched.
• Neely was acquired from the New York Yankees for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. in July.

The Cubs are hoping that Neely can provide a boost to their bullpen, which has been one of the worst in the National League this season. The Cubs are currently 49-83, last place in the NL Central.