The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros have played two series against each other within a week, and the Red Sox have had vastly different experiences with Hector Neris.
They won't have any more this series, though, as the Astros designated Neris for assignment on August 12. Alongside that move, Houston also placed Josh Hader on the injured list, reinstated Shawn Dubin from the IL and recalled Colton Gordon.
The Astros needed another spot in the bullpen for their two relief additions, and Neris was the odd man out. Neris signed with the Astros to begin his third stint with the team on July 5, and he lasted just over a month in what has been the worst season of his career so far. The veteran has posted a 6.75 ERA over 26.2 innings between three teams this season, and a 5.40 ERA in 11.2 innings just with Houston. The Astros ran out to a commanding lead against the Red Sox on August 11, racking up seven runs through the fifth inning, but Neris took the mound in the seventh frame and the Sox took advantage. Houston's lead shrank from 7-2 to 7-6 after he gave up a home run to Abraham Toro and an RBI double to Masataka Yoshida and collected two outs.
Astros designate Hector Neris for assignment the day after Red Sox score three runs off him
Benches clear in Boston after Hector Neris intentionally balked Trevor Story to third base because he thought Story was relaying signs. Neris had words for the Red Sox third base coach coming off the field pic.twitter.com/MxWccFu7F9
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 2, 2025
The Red Sox and Neris had a strange interaction at Fenway Park the week prior. The righty let up a double to Trevor Story, who noticed from second base that Neris was tipping his pitches. He relayed the pitches to Carlos Narváez at the plate before Neris intentionally balked to push him over to third base.
After the inning ended, things got tense. Neris shouted at Boston's third base coach, Kyle Hudson, which cleared the benches as the two sides prepared for a fight. Story's actions were perfectly legal, though, and it's normal for players to relay signs in real time, so nothing came of the tiff.
Neris has posted a rough season so far, but he has three seasons' worth of playoff experience with the Astros, including their 2022 run to the World Series. The Red Sox may not have seen the last of him, as another contending team could sign him after he's released.