Pirates trade Jason Grilli to Angels for Ernesto Frieri
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels exchanged former closers on Friday.
The #Pirates have acquired RHP Ernesto Frieri from the #Angels in exchange for RHP Jason Grilli.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 27, 2014
Both hurlers are having miserable 2014 campaigns and lost their respective closer jobs. Grilli, who has blown four of his 15 save opportunities, lost his job to Mark Melancon, while Frieri, 11-of-14 in save opportunities, forced manager Mike Scioscia to favor Joe Smith in response to the righty's disastrous 6.39 ERA.
Grilli is a free agent after the season. Frieri earning $3.8M this season in Arb 1. FA after 2016 season
— Travis Sawchik (@Sawchik_Trib) June 27, 2014
The trade creates an interesting dilemma for fantasy owners, as a change of scenery could be exactly what both pitchers need. It's hard to say how the managers of each respective team will ease them back into high-leverage situations.
Scioscia on Grilli's role: "We'll see where he fits on." Clearly they'd like it if he became their closer. #Angels
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) June 27, 2014