Houston Astros pitcher Hector Neris (50) throws in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers in game one of the Wild Card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners' Longtime Nemesis Returns to Team's Biggest Rival

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Hector Neris, who has tormented the Seattle Mariners for years as a member of the Houston Astros, is returning to the Astros organization, according to a report from Ari Alexander.

Alexander reports that Neris had options, but chose Houston based on his comfort in the organization. This will be his third time with the Astros. He played earlier this season for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels.

Source: RHP Hector Neris is signing with the #Astros.

This will be Neris’ 3rd stint in the Astros organization.

He’s pitched for Atlanta and the LA Angels so far in 2025. pic.twitter.com/7WzuNssmKQ
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) July 5, 2025

Neris, 36, has just a 7.80 ERA in 23 games this season, but he's been an excellent reliever in his career, going 46-42 with a 3.44 ERA.

He's pitched 12 years for the Philadelphia Phillies, Astros, Chicago Cubs, Braves and Angels. He helped the Astros win the World Series in 2022 and owns a 2.90 ERA in 157 games for them.

There are multiple reasons why Neris and the Mariners don't get along. There's this one, in which he taunted, and then delivered verbal slurs at Julio Rodriguez.

Just insane behavior, never seen it before. pic.twitter.com/U2hcn8mdVS https://t.co/DiOTaFAH5c
— Mariner Muse (@MarinerMuse) September 28, 2023

Neris was also suspended in 2022 for throwing at then-Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez.

Neris will join an excellent bullpen in Houston that features Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu. The Astros are 53-35 and lead the Mariners by seven games in the American League West.

The M's and Astros will see each other again right out of the All-Star break, as Houston comes to Seattle for three games July 18-20.

The Mariners are 46-42 and will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night at 7:10 p.m. PT. The Astros will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a battle of division leaders.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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