Angels acquire RHP Jason Grilli

ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels Friday completed a trade of relievers, acquiring right-hander Jason Grilli from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-hander Ernesto Frieri. Today's announcement was made by General Manager Jerry Dipoto.

Grilli, 37, recorded a career-best 33 saves for the Pirates last season, posting an 0-2 record and 2.70 ERA in 54 games (50 IP) while striking out 74 and walking just 13. He represented the Bucs in the 2013 All-Star Game in New York (NL), tossing a scoreless inning. Thus far in 2014, he is 0-2 with 11 saves in 15 save opportunities during his 22 games, in addition to a 4.87 ERA.

In 2013, the native of Royal Oak, MI was successful in each of his first 25 save opportunities. He tied the Pittsburgh club record for most saves in the month of April with 10, and was honored as MLB's Delivery Man of the Month for his efforts, which included a 0.82 ERA. He was honored with the same award for May, becoming just the third pitcher since the inception of the award in 2005 to do so.

Originally drafted by the New York Yankees in 1994, he chose not to sign, but did so in 1997 after the San Francisco Giants selected him as the 4th overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. He entered the 2014 campaign with a career mark of 21-27, along with 38 saves and a 4.18 ERA (498 IP - 231 ER) in 384 career games. (475 H, 211 BB, 463 SO). He has pitched for the San Francisco, Florida (Miami), Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Colorado, Texas, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh organizations.
Grilli is a 1994 graduate of Baker (NY) High School in Baldwinsville, NY where he played baseball and basketball. He later attended Seton Hall University (NJ).

Frieri, 28, recorded an 0-3 record, 11 saves and a 6.39 ERA (31 IP - 22 ER) for the Angels in 2014. A year ago, the native of Bolivar, Columbia finished with a 2-4 record, 37 saves and a 3.80 ERA (68.2 IP - 29 ER) with 98 strikeouts in his first full season with the Halos. His 98 strikeouts ranked third among American League relievers. He also became one of just six pitchers in club history to reach the 35-save plateau in a single season, joining Francisco Rodriguez, Troy Percival, Brian Fuentes, Lee Smith and Bryan Harvey. He was initially acquired from the Angels May 3, 2012 from San Diego in exchange for infielder Alexi Amarista and right-hander Donn Roach.