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The Astros signed Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek to improve a bullpen that had a league-worst 4.80 ERA. The Astros announced today that Gregerson will enter the 2015 season as the Astros closer - as reported by MLB.com's Brian McTaggert.
Gregerson is Astros closer
— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) March 31, 2015
The Astros signed Gregerson to a three-year, $18.5 million contract, making him the highest paid reliever in the Astros bullpen.
Gregerson spent last season with the Athletics, posting a 5-5 record with 2.12 ERA, 56 SO, 15 BB, and 3 saves. He pitched 72.1 innings in 2014, and it was the fourth time Gregerson had pitched at least 70 innings in his six-year career. The Astros newest closer has had a solid spring, allowing just one run in 5.2 innings of work. Gergerson steps into the closer role over Neshek, Josh Fields, and last year's closer Chad Qualls.
The question now becomes what is Neshek and Quall's role in the bullpen?