After a very poor start to the 2012 season, the Los Angeles Angels have made a move to improve their struggling bullpen. According to an official release from the team, the Angeles acquired 25-year-old reliever Ernesto Frieri in exchange for Minor League infielder Alexi Amarista and RHP Donn Roach.
Frieri, a righty, debuted with the Padres in late 2009 and has pitched very well, posting an ERA of 2.33 in 105 career appearances. With the assistance of pitcher-friendly Petco Park, Frieri had allowed just three earned runs to score this season in 11.2 innings, striking out 18 in the process. Walks are a bit of a concern -- his career average is 4.65 per nine innings -- but those numbers should improve as he continues to develop at the Major League level.
"We are excited to bring Ernesto on board," said Angels GM Jerry Dipoto. "He has proven to be a solid performer during his young career and we look forward to him being an effective part of our bullpen."
As for who the Angels have up, Amarista, 23, made his Major League debut in 2011, batting .154 (8/52) with three doubles, one triple and an RBI in 23 games. The Barcelona, VZ native has played in 18 games at Salt Lake this season, compiling a .273 average (21/77) with six doubles, two triples and 12 RBI. In six professional seasons, Amarista has registered a .313 batting average (599/1915) with 116 doubles, 35 triples, 20 home runs, 117 stolen bases and 239 RBI.
Roach, 22, was drafted by the Angels in the third round of the 2010 draft. In his first six starts this season at Inland Empire, Roach has compiled a 5-0 record with a 2.16 ERA (41.2 IP - 10 ER). The Las Vegas, NV native has compiled a 14-6 career record with two saves and a 3.97 ERA (165.2 IP - 73 ER) in 67 career appearances, 16 starts.
Look for Frieri to make his way to Los Angeles in time for Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays.
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