Jordan

Walden

This was just about as easy a save situation as a major league closer will see -- a three-run lead heading into the ninth against Oakland. Walden struck out a batter in the perfect frame. In five appearances since admitting to some fatigue in late August, Walden has effortlessly produced five scoreless innings and earned four saves and a win. He’s locked into all save chances with the Angels.

Walden served up a Josh Willingham solo blast to start off the inning before giving up three more hits and intentionally walking a batter while mixing in his own throwing error for good measure. It’s the rookie’s 10th blown save this season in 42 chances, putting him in a tie with Carlos Marmol for the major league lead.

He entered the ninth with the Angels down 4-0, as he had pitched only once in the previous 10 days. He was perfect in his other two outings, so we’ll chalk this up to early season rust.

After the Angels suffered back-to-back painful walk off losses, Downs had a pretty uneventful 1-2-3 ninth inning Saturday, including a swinging strikeout of Carlos Santana. It’s not clear how long the Angels intend to keep former closer Jordan Walden in a set-up role, but Downs is worth owning in all formats for now.

The flamethrowing right-hander allowed just one extra-base hit -- a double -- but the Royals killed him softly with singles. Walden has now been knocked around in two of his last three outings and holds a 12.46 spring ERA. He’s in no danger of not opening the year as the closer, though.

Walden got Matt Joyce to ground out to open the bottom of the ninth inning but gave up a single to B.J. Upton and a two-run walkoff blast to Brandon Allen one batter later. The 24-year-old closer has a rough 8.31 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 4 1/3 innings this season, but his job should be safe for now.

The Angels went 14 games without generating a save chance before finally getting Walden one tonight. Walden has made four appearances so far, pitching scoreless innings in three of them.

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.

LaTroy Hawkins -- and not Jordan Walden -- was brought in to convert the two-out save with a 4-3 lead and a runner on. Hopefully Downs’ injury isn’t serious, but we’ll have to wait for an update on his status. The veteran southpaw replaced Walden as LA’s closer late last month and hasn’t yet allowed a run this season. Hawkins, who owns a 1.08 ERA, would be the favorite for saves if Downs misses time. Newly-acquired Ernesto Frieri -- who tossed a scoreless eighth inning Sunday -- would also be a candidate. The Angels appear to not want to put Walden back into the ninth-inning role just yet.

Hawkins came in for an injured Scott Downs and earned a save, but hurt his hand two pitches later. He’ll almost certainly need a stint on the disabled list. The Angels may be forced to turn back to Jordan Walden if both Hawkins and Downs are unavailable. Jason Isringhausen is another possibility with closing experience.