Walden working his way back to closing: Angels reliever Jordan Walden made his fourth straight scoreless appearance on Saturday against the Rangers and has not allowed a hit in three of those outings. Manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com Sunday that the right-hander could regain the closer's role if he continues to progress. "If that evolves, I think we're better off in the long run that way," Scioscia said. "But the thing is, you're not just looking at the last three outs, you're really looking at the last six, seven, eight outs. If you can get some depth there to have some options and be able to match up, it gives you stronger looks at times. But we're going to let it go where it goes. I don't think we need to force anything right now." (Updated 05/13/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Walden lost the job as closer at the end of April but has not given up an earned run since and has four strikeouts with one walk in his last 3 2/3 innings pitched. The Angels would prefer for the 24-year-old to be closing out games but they will not put him back out in the ninth inning until they feel he is ready. Scott Downs will continue to see save chances in the meantime so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Walden might be worth stashing away in deeper mixed leagues as he is likely to be the closer again this season. (Updated 05/13/2012).
05/16/2012 12:56 Fantasy Relief: Let's be Frank about Francisco
Another week, another round of closer news. Are you on a never ending hunt for saves? Our Michael Hurcomb touches on some of the more volatile situations in his latest edition of Fantasy Relief.
05/12/2012 19:58 Any win, even in May, is important for these disappointing Angels
The Angels are looking to turn around their nightmare season and beating the Rangers is a good start. Wins in May are usually not vital, Scott Miller says, but this one just might be.
05/09/2012 12:27 Dear Mr. Fantasy: New world order for closers
The relief pitching landscape sure has changed on a dime since opening day. Who are the right replacements to target? Our Scott White re-ranks his top closer options and answers your questions in Dear Mr. Fantasy.
05/08/2012 18:24 Setting the Trends: The unending chase for saves
Closers are losing their jobs at an alarming rate either due to injury or ineffectivness. Our Nando Di Fino touches on some potential closer candidates and other waiver wire gems in Setting the Trends.
Jordan Walden saw his role grow quickly in Los Angeles last season as he took over the closing duties from Fernando Rodney in April and never looked back. He posted a 0.68 ERA over his first 14 appearances and went a perfect 5 for 5 in save chances over that span. He would come back down to earth after that but still ended up with some solid numbers. He converted 32 of 42 save chances with a 2.98 ERA in 62 appearances. The right-hander also struck out 67 in 60 innings pitched. While Walden still needs to work on his control, the 24-year-old has some serious upside in Fantasy and with the additions of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to the Angels, he should be in line for many save opportunities in 2012. Target Walden in mixed leagues on Draft Day as a Top 20 Fantasy relief pitcher. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start