Ernesto Frieri was charged with three runs in the ninth after entering a 6-1 game Thursday against the Twins. Frieri dug his own grave and then Joe Smith buried him, giving up a three-run double to Joe Mauer after entering with two outs. The hit took Frieri's ERA from 5.52 to 6.39, and Smith simply retired Kendrys Morales afterwards to earn a save in the 6-4 win. Frieri's problem has been homers, but it was two walks that did him in today. He had allowed just six unintentional walks in 30 1/3 innings entering the game, so it was an odd outing him for him. Needless to say, he's not getting the closing gig back anytime soon.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia indicated Thursday that he doesn't have a defined closer. "I don't think it's any different from what we talked about," Scioscia said when asked if Ernesto Frieri is his closer. "What's different from matching up like we talked about?" The comments came after Cam Bedrosian was used in a save situation Thursday, only to load the bases and be relieved by Frieri, who promptly served up a walk-off grand slam. Frieri is still probably the best bet for saves, but Bedrosian and Joe Smith should also be owned.

Ernesto Frieri served up a walkoff grand slam to Nick Swisher on Thursday afternoon in Cleveland. Anaheim led 3-1 heading into the bottom of the 10th inning and Cam Bedrosian was brought in for the save. But manager Mike Scoiscia turned back to Frieri after Bedrosian loaded the bases on two walks and a double. That's when Swisher went deep to win it. The Angels' bullpen is a mess right now.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia indicated Sunday that there has been no change to how he's handling the team's closer role, and that it will continue to be primarily Ernesto Frieri in the ninth inning. This comes on the heels of Frieri surrendering four runs on five hits without recording an out in the ninth inning against the Braves on Friday. While the vote of confidence sounds reassuring, his 5.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP on the season paint a troubling picture. Joe Smith should be secured as a handcuff option wherever he's available.

Ernesto Frieri surrendered four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday against the Braves. Frieri entered the game with Anaheim leading by four runs and yielded three singles, a ground-rule double, and a triple without recording even one out. He now has a hideous 5.46 ERA on the year, but Saturday's blowup was in a non-save situation and the Angels wound up winning the game in extras so Frieri's hold on the closer role might be safe.

Ernesto Frieri struck out the side in the ninth inning to finish off the A's in Monday's 4-1 win. Frieri has struck out multiple batters in three straight appearances, all of which ended in saves. The 28-year-old has pitched on four consecutive days, so you would think Joe Smith might get a save chance if one presents itself Tuesday. Smith, however, has pitched in three of four. Manager Mike Scioscia is hoping for a blowout win.

Ernesto Frieri worked around a couple of baserunners to earn his 10th save of the season against the White Sox on Sunday. Dayan Viciedo doubled with one out and Adam Dunn was intentionally walked to bring the winning run to the plate, but Frieri got Adrian Nieto to strike out looking to end the threat. He had two strikeouts in the inning and now owns a 4.33 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 33/7 K/BB ratio over 27 innings.

Ernesto Frieri survived a shaky ninth inning Tuesday against the Mariners to earn his seventh save of the season. Frieri notched the first two outs quickly, but the third one proved evasive. He walked Michael Saunders, gave up an RBI single to Robinson Cano, and walked Justin Smoak before he got Kyle Seager to fly out to center. This was the first time he's given up a run since May 6. Manager Mike Scioscia has been hesitant to say it, but Frieri is officially the Angels' closer again.

Ernesto Frieri tossed a scoreless ninth inning against the Royals to earn his sixth save of the season on Sunday. Frieri gave up a double to Salvador Perez with one out, but he got Lorenzo Cain to fly out before inducing a pop up from Alcides Escobar to end the threat. He's now converted four straight save opportunities since being reinstated as the closer, and he owns an impressive 27/4 K/BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings of work. His early struggles appear to be behind him.

Ernesto Frieri tossed a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his fifth save as the Angels defeated the Phillies on Tuesday. Frieri was recently reinstated to his role as the Angels' closer and he seems to have gotten on the right track. He walked one and struck out one against the Phillies and has racked up scoreless outings in seven out of his last eight appearances.