Ernesto Frieri knows he’s fighting to save his closer job with Angels

Pitcher Ernesto Frieri isn’t having the greatest season for the Los Angeles Angels.

Frieri blew his 2nd consecutive save opportunity against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday and has allowed 8 runs on 9 hits with 4 walks over his last 4 appearances.

His ERA is an eye-popping (not in a good way) 8.31 and opponents have an OPS of .962 against him over Frieri’s last 14 appearances dating back to June 23rd. Angels skipper Mike Scoscia indicated after Tuesday’s loss that he might use a closer-by-committee moving forward, which could give a guys other than Frieri a chance to save games.

"“We talked about a couple things. We have a lot of guys in our bullopen that have thrown a lot. Some of them need days off. We have the ability to match up a little bit, but Ernie (Frieri) is definitely part of the solution of holding leads for us and part of the solution for closing games. We’ll match up a little bit, but let Nick (Maronde) face a lefty, let Ernie try to come in to do it. We can match up a little more if we have to.” Manager Mike Scoscia said in an interview"

During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Frieri was asked about the current topic, he replied with

"“I’m gonna die standing up like a warrior. I won’t give up. You can write that in big letters, I won’t give up.” he told a reporter"

This could give right hander Dane De La Rosa a chance to get the role of closer. He’s 4-1 on the season with 19 holds, and an ERA of 3.93 in 50.1 innings of work.