2013 Fantasy Baseball Closers

(5/24): While Frieri opened the season as the closer for the Angels, he didn't have much in the way of stability. The Angels signed Madson to a two-year contract in the offseason, and the implication early in spring was that team management preferred him in the ninth inning rather than Frieri. However, Madson suffered a setback in February while nearing the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery last spring, prompting his placement on the 15-day DL to open the season. Madson is now on a rehab assignment at Triple-A that could last a week or more, so don't be surprised if he's not back in the bullpen until early June, giving Frieri some breathing room. Even when Madson becomes healthy, he won't necessarily be vaulted into the closer's role right away. The most likely scenario is that Madson settles into a middle relief role to get his bearings before taking over closing duties from Frieri, though Frieri could maintain the role with his decent start to the season through 19 appearances. Downs and Burnett will serve as Frieri's top setup man for the foreseeable future, while Jepsen, who is currently on the DL, could also work his way into a late-inning relief role.