Ernesto Frieri could return to the closer's role shortly, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Frieri could return to the closer's role shortly, Pedro Moura of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

Frieri has pitched well since vacating the ninth-inning role in favor of Joe Smith in late April, retiring 11 of 12 batters in his last four appearances. Smith has excelled in his time as the Halos' stopper, converting all three of his opportunities, but it seems that manager Mike Scioscia is intent on having Frieri close games, as he said Sunday that "our optimum bullpen is really with Ernie back in the ninth inning..."