PHILADELPHIA -- Héctor Neris showed everybody this weekend why Joe Girardi made him the Phillies’ closer.

He pitched three scoreless innings and earned a save in three appearances in a season-opening sweep over the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Neris struck out five and walked two. He did not allow a hit. Neris, who will not pitch in Monday’s series opener against the Mets, reflected on an encouraging beginning for himself and the Phillies’ bullpen, which pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings. It was the first time since Aug. 13-15, 2019, that the Phillies’ bullpen pitched three consecutive scoreless games. They pitched back-to-back scoreless games just once in 2020, when they racked up a 7.06 ERA.

“Every game is hard,” Neris said Monday afternoon. “But when you’ve got support in the bullpen, you’re not thinking too much. You’re just pitching and when you face the batter you’re just pitching to your strengths and seeing what happens.”

Neris entered the season focused on bouncing back from a disappointing 2020. He went 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA and five saves, although his 2.50 FIP, according to Baseball Reference, and 3.98 xERA, according to Statcast, indicate he pitched better than his traditional line. It is one reason why Girardi felt comfortable making him the closer over others like right-handers Archie Bradley and Brandon Kintzler and left-hander José Alvarado.

But to improve his chances, Neris worked on a slider over the winter with the idea that it could get hitters off his fastball and splitter.

He has thrown just one so far, according to Statcast.

“I have it and I’m confident with it,” Neris said.

But better than the slider might be the fact that Neris knows his role. Despite the belief by many that pitchers are interchangeable and roles do not matter, Neris, like many pitchers, said he likes to know when he will pitch. Who pitches Monday if the Phillies need a save? On those nights when Neris isn’t available, it will be based on matchups.