The Houston Astrosactivated Ryan Pressly from the 15-day injured list, and the closer picked up the save in the team's 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
Pressly originally went on the IL on Aug. 25 after he experienced spasms in his neck.
The team had expected him to be activated earlier this week, but manager Dusty Baker said Pressly was still feeling soreness in the neck, delaying his return.
He came on in the ninth against the Angels, allowing a solo home run before striking out the final two batters for his 26th save.
In the corresponding roster move, Houston optioned righty Brandon Bielak to Triple-A Sugar Land.