Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times suspects Joe Smith will soon take over as the Angels' closer. And some of the other Angels beat writers agree. Halos skipper Mike Scioscia said Wednesday night that he was sticking with Ernesto Frieri as closer despite the right-hander's 9.35 ERA, but the situation could be reassessed during Thursday's scheduled team off day leading into a big three-game series at Yankee Stadium. Smith is worth grabbing in all standard mixed leagues while Scioscia and Co. mull a change.

Joe Smith allowed four unearned runs and blew the save against the Giants on Monday. Shortstop Grant Green made a throwing error on what should have been the second out of the inning. Smith recorded a strikeout for the second out of the inning, then consecutively allowed a double, two singles, and a triple before being yanked from the game.

Joe Smith allowed one run in his one inning of work on Tuesday against the Rangers. Smith, one of the Angels' few free agent signings, was victimized by a Leonys Martin triple in the fourth inning, leading to the run. He'll set up for Ernesto Frieri at the back of the bullpen this season.

Angels and RHP Joe Smith agreed to a three-year, $15.75 million contract. Smith will likely serve in a setup role, paired with left-hander Sean Burnett, for the Angels. The right-hander had a 2.29 ERA over 63 innings of work in 2013 and is incredibly durable, having made at least 70 appearances in each of the last three seasons. He also collected his first three saves of his career last season, making him a possible ninth-inning option in the event closer Ernesto Frieri stumbles.

The Angels and Joe Smith have agreed on a three-year contract for around $15 million, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports. Smith immediately bolsters the Angels' pen, as he compiled a 2.29 ERA with 25 holds in 63 innings last season. The Angels have already named Ernesto Frieri as their closer next season but Smith may immediately take over the setup role. The 29-year-old did save three games last year for the Indians should Frieri falter.

The Angels are pursing free agent reliever Joe Smith, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden. Bowden passes along that the Angels are also working on bringing back their own free agent, starter Jason Vargas. Smith went 6-2 with a 2.29 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 70 relief appearances with the Indians in 2013. Los Angeles will encounter plenty of competition for the 29-year-old right-hander's services.

Impending free agent Joe Smith and the Indians have mutual interest in working out a deal past this season. "We'd like to keep Joe with the Indians moving forward," said GM Chris Antonetti, "and we appreciate the work that he's done." Smith, who said he'd "love" to stay, holds an impressive 2.48 ERA since the beginning of 2011. He's earning $3.15 million this season.

Joe Smith allowed a walkoff two-run double to Jacoby Ellsbury in Sunday's loss to the Red Sox. Smith entered a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park and inherited a 2-1 count from Chris Perez, who left the game with a trainer. It was a terrible spot to be in for any reliever and Smith was unable to execute. If Perez needs a trip to the disabled list, Smith should get some cleaner chances. Vinnie Pestano is also a potential candidate for saves but is struggling at the moment.

Joe Smith (oblique) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday against the Giants. Smith has been limited in Indians camp by an oblique strain. He should be fine for the start of the 2013 season.

Joe Smith (oblique) threw a successful round of live batting practice Thursday in Phillies camp. Smith tossed 25 pitches and felt no lingering pain or discomfort in his left oblique. The right-hander is aiming to make his Cactus League debut early next week.