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Astros' Gregerson on closing duties: 'I'm ready for whatever they've got in store for me'

Ed Szczepanski / USA TODAY Sports

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The Houston Astros don't have a clear-but closer heading into the 2015 season, but one of their new signings is up for the job.

"I'm ready for whatever they've got in store for me," Luke Gregerson told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "I've always said I feel like the seventh, eighth, ninth inning they're all very similar. It's a mental block you have to get past knowing it's the last inning and that's one of the most important and make sure you get the last three outs of the game and get your team the win."

Gregerson, 30, agreed to a three-year, $18.5-million contract with the Astros during the winter meetings, and has a reputation as one of the most reliable setup men in baseball.

The right-hander does have 19 career saves to his credit, though, collecting nine in 2012 as a member of the San Diego Padres. But Gregerson will have to compete with another new Astro, Pat Neshek, who signed a two-year pact. The sidewinder earned first-time All-Star honors in 2014, earning 25 holds with a 1.87 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Both hurlers are scheduled to be formally introduced at a press conference Friday.

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