The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired right-handed pitcher Ernesto Frieri from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jason Grilli. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
Since being acquired by the Angels on May 3, 2012, Frieri has recorded a total of 216 strikeouts, which rank second among all American League relievers behind Greg Holland (238). He also recorded 71 saves as a member of the Angels, which is tied for the sixth-most among all American League pitchers since the beginning of the 2012 campaign.
The 28-year-old Frieri went 0-3 with 11 saves, a 6.39 ERA (31.0ip/22er) and 38 strikeouts this season with the Angels. In 2013 Frieri established or tied career highs in saves (37), innings pitched (68.2), games (67) and strikeouts (98). His 98 strikeouts ranked third among American League relievers while his .155 batting average against (22-for-142) vs. left-handed hitters ranked second in the junior circuit among relievers. He also became one of just six pitchers in Angels history to reach the 35-save plateau in a single season, joining Francisco Rodriguez, Troy Percival, Brian Fuentes, Lee Smith and Bryan Harvey.
Since breaking into the big leagues in 2009, Frieri has recorded a career record of 9-12 with 71 saves, a 3.19 ERA (262.1ip/93er), 353 strikeouts and a .201 batting average against (192-for-956) in 262 relief appearances with San Diego (2009-12) and Los Angeles (2012-14).
“We are appreciative of all that Jason has done for the Pirates and in our community,” said Huntington. “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.”
Information provided by the Pittsburgh Pirates media relations dept.
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