Angels Rumors: Los Angeles Still Targeting Relievers
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Angels added to their bullpen by acquiring Ernesto Frieri from the San Diego Padres earlier this month, but Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is reporting that the club is continuing to target relievers. Heyman said that, while Frieri helps the Angels, LA is “still looking for ‘pen help”. Other arms that are expected to become available this summer are Grant Balfour (A’s), Brett Myers (Astros), Huston Street (Padres), Kevin Gregg and Matt Lindstrom (Orioles).
The Angels bullpen currently ranks 24th in the majors in ERA (4.32) while registering last in the league in strikeouts (48 over 65 innings). As a unit, Angels relievers have accumulated more losses (6) than saves (4).
Heyman’s right in saying that Frieri will help the Angels. The 26-year-old is already third in the Angels ‘pen in strikeouts (6) despite only appearing in three games for his new club.
Still, the Angels appears intent on adding another bullpen arm to their mix. With Jordan Walden having already been replaced as the Angels closer, it would make sense for LA to target a late-inning reliever.
There are a few options that figure to be available this summer for the Angels to potentially choose from. The A’s are expected to eventually part ways with Grant Balfour, who’s been effective as their closer this season. Brett Myers is another player that is more than likely to be moved by the trade deadline, and he’s been perfect for the Astros in save opportunities so far.
LA already worked a trade with the Padres for Frieri, but San Diego may also be looking to deal closer Huston Street. The Orioles also have a pair of late-inning arms in Matt Lindstrom and Kevin Gregg that could become available depending on how Baltimore fares over the next month.
The Angels offense has started to turn it around of late, and the team’s starting pitching is fantastic. Still, it figures to continue to be an uphill climb in the American League West for the Angels until they can improve upon or see improvement from their current crop of relievers.
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