Jordan Walden had a meltdown when the Angels could ill afford one Sunday, giving up four runs -- two earned -- on four hits and a walk over 2/3 of an inning in a loss to the Athletics. Walden served up a Josh Willingham solo blast to start off the inning before giving up three more hits and intentionally walking a batter while mixing in his own throwing error for good measure. It's the rookie's 10th blown save this season in 42 chances, putting him in a tie with Carlos Marmol for the major league lead.

Jordan Walden recorded his 30th save of the season in Tuesday's win over the A's. This was just about as easy a save situation as a major league closer will see -- a three-run lead heading into the ninth against Oakland. Walden struck out a batter in the perfect frame. In five appearances since admitting to some fatigue in late August, Walden has effortlessly produced five scoreless innings and earned four saves and a win. He's locked into all save chances with the Angels.

Jordan Walden recorded his 28th save of the season in Sunday's win over the Twins. In two appearances since admitting to some fatigue last Tuesday, Walden has effortlessly recorded two saves. The Angels will be careful with their rookie, but he's locked into all save chances.

Jordan Walden admitted Monday to being tired. Walden has already made 52 appearances this season and is on pace to pitch in 63 games. "It's getting close to September. And I've never thrown this much in my whole life," he said. "It's different. Your body, you just get tired." The Angels may have to lighten his load down the stretch.

Jordan Walden was charged with his ninth blown save after giving up an inherited run in the eighth inning Saturday against the Orioles. Walden came into a 6-5 game with one out and one on and allowed a game-tying single to Matt Wieters. Fortunately, Wieters was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double and Mark Reynolds struck out after that. Walden stayed in and pitched a scoreless ninth, so it wasn't really a bad night for him at all. His closing gig remains perfectly safe even with all of the blown saves.

Jordan Walden got two outs against the Mariners Sunday to earn his 25th save. Walden has bounced back well from that hiccup against the Indians two weeks ago. In four outings since then, he's 1-0 with two saves and allowed zero earned runs. The rookie has plenty of leash.

Jordan Walden protected a one-run lead Tuesday against the Indians to earn his 24th save. He gave up two hits to make things interesting but escaped unscathed. The outing came one night after he blew an identical 2-1 lead against the Indians in the ninth, allowing two runs and taking his third loss and seventh blown save of the year. Walden has a 2.98 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 45/18 K/BB rate through 42 1/3 innings. He's in no danger of losing his job.

Jordan Walden has a 2.13 ERA since June 1. Has there been a closer streakier than the rookie All-Star? Walden didn't allow his first run of the season until April 27, but between that date and the end of May he struggled to the tune of a 5.40 ERA and three blown saves over 15 appearances. Walden then strung together seven consecutive scoreless appearances, part of a streak where he converted 10 straight save opportunities, before blowing three straight saves at the end of June. He entered the break tossing four consecutive scoreless appearances. Walden has good job security and plenty of fantasy value, despite his propensity to compound struggles over multiple outings.

Jordan Walden finally snapped his blown-save streak on Wednesday, allowing one hit while striking out one in the ninth inning of the Angels' 1-0 win over the Nationals. He did allow a one-out double to Ryan Zimmerman, but was able to induce a Matt Stairs groundout before fanning Mike Morse to end the game. Before his recent streak of ineffectiveness, Walden had converted 10 straight save opportunities.

Jordan Walden blew a save in a second straight game Monday by giving up a homer in the ninth to Danny Espinosa. That's three blown saves in a row, though the first was a true cheapy and he rebounded to get the win in that one. Espinosa's homer was the first hit off Walden in 34 innings this season, so that's hardly a concern. The walks are a problem -- he has 17 -- but the Angels knew what they were getting there. We still can't see any reason for them to make a switch in the closer's role.