Jason Grilli, Ernesto Fieri Swapped In Change of Scenery Deal

The Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates traded closers Jason Grilli and Ernesto Fieri in a move that both teams hope will help both players.

Grilli had served as the Pirates’ primary closing option for most of the past two seasons before being removed from the role recently. After a solid 2013 season, 33 saves, Grilli struggled with his command this season, and was 0-2 with a 4.87 ERA and 11 saves in 22 appearances and lost his job to Mark Melancon last week after blowing 4 of his 15 save opportunities.

Pirates General Manager Neal Huntingdon said in a press release,“We are appreciative of all that Jason has done for the Pirates and in our community. We believe that adding Ernesto Frieri was a good move for our bullpen. He has been an effective late inning reliever who, despite his struggles to date this season, has solid indicators that cause us to believe he will be a quality addition to our bullpen this season and potentially beyond.”

Frieri emerged with the Angels in 2012 after being acquired from the Padres in a rare early-season trade. Frieri had a career-best 37 saves for Los Angeles last year, but the 28-year-old right-hander is just 0-3 with 6.39 ERA and 11 saves in 34 appearances this season.

Frieri has also lost his job as closer, as Joe Smith has taken over the role for the Angels.

Griili is 37 and may be on his last leg as a closer, but may provide some bullpen help to the Angels while Fieri is just 28.  Thats young in closer years and will get a chance to revive his status in Pittsburgh.