Chicago Cubs release Héctor Neris and call up right-hander Jack Neely

The Chicago Cubs are taking steps toward 2025.

Veteran reliever Héctor Neris was assigned to one assignment and released Tuesday when he was not claimed off waivers, a source confirmed to the Tribune.

Right-hander Jack Neely, who was signed by the New York Yankees for reliever Mark Leiter Jr., is expected to take that spot on the roster.

Neris, 35, had a $9 million club option for 2025 that would have become a player option if he made 60 appearances this season or finished 45 games without ending the year on the injured list. As the Cubs' closer, he was on pace to accomplish both, having made 46 appearances and completed 33 games before the team's series opener Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. He posted a 3.89 ERA and a 107 ERA+ in 44 innings, recording 17 saves in 22 chances.

Neris' departure creates a spot in the bullpen for the 24-year-old Neely and an opportunity for the organization to see if he could fit on next year's roster.

The 6-foot-8 Neely has been dominant in six games at Triple-A Iowa since joining his new organization, striking out 13 of 25 batters in 6 2/3 innings and allowing just one walk and one unearned run.