Phillies: Closer’s next challenger

Borrowed time:

Regarding Neris, if you had stored the memory of his three-bomb loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last May, you had your conclusions confirmed by the Washington Nationals on May 6 and the New York Mets on May 11. Of course, usually allowing a walk or a knock in the ninth proves he’s not a lights-out closer or even a top-ten fireman.

What did the faithful on Phillies sites say? Well, they said 99 percent can’t tell the difference between a photo of Neris and a dumpster fire. And one pointed out “analytically” Neris putting on two runners or issuing a free pass with one out equals game over.

Additionally, one poster stated Neris’ time equals holding your breath or your butt. But the best was the not-my-closer hashtag.

On the other hand, a success rate of 90 percent without frequent difficulties is a top-tier arm, and 80 percent is a setup man’s expected average. Well, Neris has saved 34 of 40 chances for ’17 and ’18: 85 percent. But he has converted 27 of 30 from 2017’s second half to now: 90 percent.

In the pen, Neris is only a slight improvement over Luis Garcia, Tommy Hunter, Adam Morgan or Edubray Ramos. And when he returns, Pat Neshek will be a solid hurler for the seventh frame. But making a case for the back end of the bullpen or more is Seranthony Dominguez.

In fact, one fan has already stated right-hander Dominguez should replace Neris. And it may be a question of when, not if.