The Cubs released closer Hector Neris, which probably makes Jorge Lopez the closer for now. The club also recalled deadline acquisition RHP Jack Neely, a former Yankees prospect who checks in at a gargantuan 6’8” 245 lbs. He’s thrown 6.2 scoreless innings with a 52 percent strikeout rate for Triple-A Iowa since the trade that sent him there. RHP Porter Hodge is the early favorite for the gig in 2025 until further notice, specifically a notice of the club getting involved in the reliever reclamation market as it often does. RHP Tyson Miller has been excellent this season but doesn’t feature the wipeout arsenal most teams want in a guy who handles the ninth. Meanwhile, jettisoned Cubbie farmhands RHPs Manuel Rodriguez and Jeremiah Estrada are key pieces of other teams’ bullpens. I won’t count RHP Hunter Bigge because he at least was traded for something. Can’t win ‘em all, I realize, but here’s hoping Neely gets a real opportunity to nail down a long-term roster spot.