Ernesto Frieri picked up his eighth save with a hitless ninth inning Friday against the Dodgers.

This one was easy, as Frieri got a three-run lead to protect. Then again, Frieri is making everything look easy. He's up to 20 2/3 scoreless innings in his Angels career.

Ernesto Frieri pitched a hitless ninth against the Dodgers on Monday for his fifth save of the year.

Frieri went without a strikeout for the first time in 17 appearances with the Angels. It was the second time it had happened this year; the other time also came against the Dodgers, back when he was still with the Padres in April. Frieri has yet to give up a run in 17 1/3 innings for the Halos. He's splitting save chances with Scott Downs, but he looks like the preferred choice in the ninth now.

Ernesto Frieri gave up his first hit as an Angel on Saturday, but he still pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings for his fourth save.

Just as on Friday, Scott Downs was used as a setup man for Frieri. Frieri did give up the hit and a walk, but he struck out three of the other four batters he faced. Since he did work Friday and was extended a bit tonight (he threw 32 pitches), he probably won't be available Sunday. Either Downs or Jordan Walden could get a save chance.

Ernesto Frieri pitched a perfect ninth Friday to protect a two-run lead against the Rangers and earn his third save.

Scott Downs set him up with a flawless eighth. The Angels can't seem to go wrong with either pitcher right now. Manager Mike Scioscia might be frustrating fantasy owners with how he's using Frieri and Downs, but he's certainly pushing the right buttons.

Ernesto Frieri earned his second save of the season in Saturday's victory over the Mariners.

Frieri entered in the eighth inning and struck out three of the five batters he faced before slapping hands with his teammates after a pretty smooth ninth. He now boasts a 22/7 K/BB ratio in 10 innings since joining the Angels and has a real opportunity to run away with Anaheim's ninth-inning role. The Halos are suddenly in second place in the American League West standings.

The Angels will use Ernesto Frieri or Jordan Walden in the closer role until Scott Downs (knee) is ready to return.

Downs was diagnosed with a left knee contusion after undergoing an MRI and will be monitored on a day-to-day basis. Walden was recently yanked from the closer role, so we'd give the slight edge to the recently-acquired Frieri. He's worth adding in most fantasy leagues in the short-term.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Sunday that Ernesto Frieri could see some save opportunities.

The Halos acquired Frieri from the Padres on Thursday night and are hoping he can stabilize their shaky (and injury-marred) bullpen. "He's got a really live arm, the velocity and deception," Scioscia told reporters. "The ball is sneaky." With Scott Downs (knee) and LaTroy Hawkins (pinkie) both battling injuries and Jordan Walden struggling with effectiveness, the 26-year-old Frieri is probably worth grabbing in most mixed fantasy leagues.

Angels acquired RHP Ernesto Frieri from the Padres for INF-OF Alexi Amarista and RHP Donn Roach.

Frieri, 26, has an impressive 2.33 ERA over 105 career relief appearances, including a 2.31 ERA and 18/4 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings this season. We suspect he'll miss PETCO Park, but he should be an upgrade for an Angels' bullpen which entered play Thursday with a 5.08 ERA.

Padres activated RHP Ernesto Frieri from the 15-day disabled list.

Frieri had been sidelined since the beginning of the month due to a back strain. He'll return to an impressive 3.47 ERA and 60/29 K/BB ratio over 49 1/3 innings this season.

Ernesto Frieri (back) will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tucson.

Frieri was placed on the disabled list earlier this week with a lower back strain, which he said was caused by a recent mechanical tweak and the late flight the team took Sunday from Pittsburgh to New York. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3.47 ERA and 60/29 K/BB ratio over 49 1/3 innings this season. He is on track to return when he's eligible.

Padres placed RHP Ernesto Frieri on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 6 with a back injury.

The severity of the injury is not yet known, but the roster move clears a spot for Wade LeBlanc to start Tuesday against the Mets. Frieri, 26, has a 3.47 ERA and 60/29 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings this season.

Padres activated RHP Ernesto Frieri from the paternity leave list.

Frieri left the team earlier this week to be present for the birth of his first child. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3.30 ERA and 57/25 K/BB ratio over 46 1/3 innings this season.

Padres placed RHP Ernesto Frieri on the paternity leave list.

Frieri can be on the paternity leave list for a maximum of three days. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3.30 ERA and 57/25 K/BB ratio over 46 1/3 innings this season.

Ernesto Frieri fell apart against the Red Sox on Monday, recording only one out while surrendering four runs on two walks and two hit batters.

Frieri set down Kevin Youkilis before intentionally walking David Ortiz. After walking pinch-hitter J.D. Drew to load the bases, he proceeded to hit the next two batters. The normally stellar Frieri saw his ERA balloon from 2.29 to 3.28.

Ernesto Frieri had retired 20 batters in a row before allowing a solo home run to Matt Kemp Friday.

Frieri has been fantastic again so far this year for the Pads, posting a 1.72 ERA and 1.02 WHIP while boasting an 18/4 K/BB ratio over 15 2/3 innings. With a 1.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 61/22 K/BB mark across 49 1/3 career frames, he's evolved into another terrific late-inning reliever for San Diego.

Ernesto Frieri has been dealing with a sore pitching shoulder recently.

The right-hander threw on the side Friday and will do so again Sunday. Padres manager Bud Black isn't too concerned, but anytime the shoulder is involved, it has to be taken seriously. Frieri is coming off a lights-out year at Triple-A and in the big leagues and will be part of a terrific San Diego bullpen assuming he's healthy.