Phillies reliever Hector Neris off to strong start in 2016

By: Matt Rappa, managing editor

MILWAUKEE —While the Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation has strung together impressive outings — highlighted by right-hander Vince Velasquez's 16-strikeout shutout over the San Diego Padres on April 14 — one name within their bullpen has quietly succeeded thus far through 17 games this season.

That name is 26-year-old RHP Hector Neris.

Signed by the Phillies on April 29, 2010, as an amateur free agent, Neris is in the midst of a career-long 13-game, 14 2/3 inning scoreless streak that dates back to Sept. 23 of last season.

Over this stretch, Neris has surrendered just seven hits and three walks, striking out 21 of his 53 faced batters (approx. 40 percent). The Dominican Republic native has surrendered just three extra-base hits (one home run, two doubles) over his last 16 appearances and 17 2/3 innings, all of which occurred on Sept. 16, away against the Washington Nationals.

Matt Gelb of Philly.com writes:

This season, Neris has thrown his splitter more than any other pitch. . . . Opposing batters are 1 for 16 with 12 strikeouts against the splitter in Neris' first eight outings. He has thrown the pitch 52 percent of the time, double the amount he used it in 2015.

Neris currently ranks first this season among National League relievers in strikeouts, 17, and WAR, 0.5. He is also tied for first among Major League relievers in ERA, 0.00. Neris has allowed just two of his five inherited runners to score this season, both of which occurred in the 6-2 Opening Day defeat to the Cincinnati Reds on April 4.

As the Phillies continue their "retooling" process in the weeks, months and seasons ahead, Neris could develop into a valuable, late-inning bullpen presence. Thus far in 2016, he has shown he is capable of assuming that role.